Can You Look At Eclipse Through Sunglasses

Protect Your Eyes: Eclipse Glasses vs. Regular Sunglasses

Understanding the Difference

As the next solar eclipse approaches, it's crucial to understand the difference between eclipse glasses and regular sunglasses. While it may seem like all sunglasses can protect your eyes, eclipse glasses offer specialized features that make them essential for viewing a solar eclipse safely.

Why Eclipse Glasses Are 100,000 Times Darker

Regular sunglasses typically block around 75-90% of visible light. However, eclipse glasses are 100,000 times darker, blocking nearly all visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light. This extreme darkness is necessary to protect your eyes from the intense brightness of the Sun, which can cause permanent damage if viewed directly.

Regular Sunglasses Can Be Dangerous

Attempting to view a solar eclipse through regular sunglasses, damaged solar filters, or by peeking through your fingers or a pinhole is extremely dangerous. The Sun's rays can penetrate these insufficient barriers, damaging your eyes. The reflected sunlight or bright white artificial light should appear very dim through a safe pair of eclipse glasses.

The Only Safe Way to View a Solar Eclipse

The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed Sun is through special-purpose solar filters such as eclipse glasses. These glasses have been designed and certified to meet specific safety standards, ensuring that they block harmful sunlight effectively.

Remember, eclipse glasses are not regular sunglasses. Protect your eyes during the solar eclipse by using only approved solar filters.