Do’s and Don’ts for Eclipse Viewing
You know this already, but looking directly at the sun is dangerous! But you can view the eclipse safely with a little planning.
Never look directly at the Sun without proper equipment
If you're not absolutely sure of your equipment, don't use your telescope
Use specially made eclipse glasses marked ISO 12312-2.
Use #14 welder's glass
Use professionally made solar filters designed for telescopes and binoculars
Only during what is known as “totality,” – the few moments when the sun is completely blocked by the moon – is it safe to view the sun without proper equipment.
– Cincinnati Observatory
“Seeing a total solar eclipse makes the solar system come alive,” says Christa Speights, planetarium director, at Northern Kentucky University’s Haile Planetarium. “Instead of the sizes, distances, and motions of the sun and moon being theoretical, during a total solar eclipse, you can see these for yourself!”
Though our entire region won’t be in totality, you can still revel in the celestial celebrations from the comfort of your home.
With its watch party sold out, the Cincinnati Observatory has viewing ideas you can duplicate on your own. These range from using the sun to make art to creating a pinhole camera! See the Observatory’s full list of crafts and activities for kids (and adults).
A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun. When the moon covers part of the sun, it’s a partial solar eclipse, which we had on Oct. 14, 2023. But when the moon blocks the Sun entirely – during the coolest astronomical event you will ever see without looking directly at it – that’s a total solar eclipse. That’s what we’re expecting on Monday, April 8.
While awe-inspiring to witness, a solar eclipse can also play a part in scientific research.
“During a total solar eclipse in 1919, two stars whose light had to travel near the sun in order to get to Earth appeared in different positions than they do when seen at night,” Speights says. “This measurement supported Einstein’s new theory of General Relativity, which predicted that mass distorts spacetime, changing the path of photons that pass near a massive object, like the sun.”
Speights says there are also citizen science projects where regular folks can contribute to studies about the sun and how it affects the Earth. Projects range from measuring the exact size and shape of the sun to measuring wildlife’s response to a solar eclipse and researching how a solar eclipse impacts Earth’s atmosphere.