Depending on the type of eclipse you are viewing, you may need to take extra safety precautions to prevent eye damage. Solar eclipses – when viewed in their partial or annular forms – should never be observed directly with the naked eye, as this can cause permanent damage to the retina, and blindness. Total solar eclipses – in which the area you are in is enveloped in darkness and a faint ring of light is visible around the dark sun – can be viewed with the naked eye, but only for the time that they remain ‘total’. Lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye, as they are faint and at night time, but you may need binoculars or even a telescope to see them in their full glory.
Luckily there are a number of ways you can view eclipses safely. NASA advises using special filters which come in the form of glasses and hand-held devices. They also advise the use of a pin-hole projector or device, which can be made at home from two pieces of cardboard. All of these techniques prevent direct eye contact with the sun, and should keep your eyes safe from harm.
If you are hoping to capture the eclipses on camera or film, you may need to invest in some specialist filters or camera lenses. Total solar eclipses are particularly beautiful and are well worth capturing both on video camera and still film. Lunar eclipses can be faint and you may need to use a zoom lens or time-delay to properly do them justice.
Luckily there are a number of ways you can view eclipses safely. NASA advises using special filters which come in the form of glasses and hand-held devices. They also advise the use of a pin-hole projector or device, which can be made at home from two pieces of cardboard. All of these techniques prevent direct eye contact with the sun, and should keep your eyes safe from harm.
If you are hoping to capture the eclipses on camera or film, you may need to invest in some specialist filters or camera lenses. Total solar eclipses are particularly beautiful and are well worth capturing both on video camera and still film. Lunar eclipses can be faint and you may need to use a zoom lens or time-delay to properly do them justice.