How to Safety the View the Total Eclipse

On August 21, the moon will pass directly in front of the sun for approximately seven minutes and 12 seconds during a phenomenon known as a total eclipse. This rare event occurs only once every 18 months. Furthermore, when a total eclipse does occur, it can only be viewed from certain regions. The upcoming total eclipse, however, will be viewable from nearly all parts of the United States, allowing Americans to marvel first-hand at this cosmic wonder.

A total eclipse that's viewable from the United States is so rare, in fact, that the last time it occurred was 26 years ago. As such, experts predict a large turnout for the upcoming cosmic event.

But if you're planning to take an eclipse-viewing break at work this Monday, there are a few things you should know. Whether it's a partial or total eclipse, viewing this phenomenon without the appropriate eye protection can result in eye injury and potentially even vision loss.

Granted, partial eclipses are more hazardous because of the increased sunlight, but even total eclipses pose a risk of eye injury when viewed with the naked eye. To protect against such injury, you need to wear special eclipse-viewing glasses. According to NASA, though, you should check the safety authenticity of such glasses before using them.

NASA specifically recommends choosing eclipse-viewing glasses that meet the following criteria:

• ISO 12312-2 certification
• Printed or otherwise labeled with the manufacturer's name and address
• Not wrinkled, scratched or otherwise damaged
• Not ordinary sunglasses (offer little-to-no protection)

Only look at the eclipse while wearing the appropriate type of eclipse-viewing glasses.

NASA's Alex Young explains that NASA isn't the safety policy, though it's the organization's duty to inform the public about safe eclipse-viewing practices.

“While NASA isn’t trying to be the eclipse safety glasses ‘police,’ it’s our duty to inform the public about safe ways to view what should be a spectacular sky show for the entire continental United States,” said Alex Young of NASA. “It’s important that individuals take the responsibility to check they have the proper solar eclipse viewing glasses. With the eclipse a month away today, it’s prudent to practice ahead of time."

It's also recommended that you don't view the total eclipse with homemade glasses. While there are dozens of tutorials for building your own eclipse-viewing glasses, they tend to lack the necessary level of protection to keep your eyes safe from the sun's UV rays.