How To Watch This Weekend’s Solar Eclipse Safely

On Saturday morning, millions of people across the United States will have a chance to view a rare astronomical phenomenon: An annular eclipse, when the moon obscures the Sun, leaving a halo of light that will look like a ring of fire in the sky.

But unfortunately, not all of those viewers will see the eclipse safely. Experts warn that a partial, annular eclipse like Saturday's can cause instant damage to the eyes if you look at it without proper protection. The Sun may be obscured, but there's still enough of it exposed to burn your retinas.

Fortunately for skygazers everywhere, it's not hard to find safe ways to watch the action.

One method is to use special eclipse glasses. Regular sunglasses won't suffice: To look at the eclipse, you must wear specially designed solar viewing glasses that are thousands of times darker than sunglasses.

Disposable eclipse glasses, usually made out of cardboard, are available from countless retailers, but be careful you know what you're getting; using a cheaply made pair could still lead to eye damage. The American Astronomical Society maintains a curated list of approved vendors that you should check before buying. Many local libraries, universities and science museums will also give away free pairs in advance of the action.

What's the science behind the eclipse? Click here for Everything You Need to Know About October’s Biggest Astronomical Event

You'll be even safer — and ready for future eclipses as well — if you buy a pair of high-quality eclipse glasses that are certified to international standards. Companies like HALO, which was founded in 2017 with the goal of providing sustainable and fashionable options for eclipse viewing, make luxury versions for serious aficionados, like $79 pairs made out of walnut or sandalwood.

Whatever glasses you get, do not remove them and squint at the Sun. You will not be protected from eye damage.

If you don't have a pair of eclipse glasses, and it's too late to get one, there are still ways to observe the eclipse indirectly, many of them detailed on this page put together by the American Astronomical Society.

One example is the pinhole method, which involves using an object with holes in it — like a pasta colander — to cast a shadow on the ground. You'll be able to see the shape of the eclipse in the shadow.

You could also set up an optical projection rig, which uses a telescope or binoculars pointed at the Sun to project images onto a surface where you can see the image. This method can damage your device if you're not sure how to do it, though, so make sure you follow directions closely.

When is October's Annular Eclipse?

The start time for the eclipse will vary depending on where you are, as will the completeness of the eclipse. For instance, in Eugene, Oregon, the peak will begin at 9:17 a.m. local time. In San Antonio, one of the last places in the U.S. in the path of annularity, the ring of fire should be visible starting at 11:52 a.m. local time.

During a recent press conference, NASA officials explained that only 6 million Americans will get the optimal view. But a further 68 million Americans live in the path where the eclipse will still be annular — that is, where the moon will be directly in the middle of the Sun, resulting in the burning halo.

To find out what time the eclipse begins in your city, and how much of the effect you can expect to see, NASA has an interactive map to guide you.

NASA will also be hosting livestreams on its website, app and Facebook, YouTube and X pages. The coverage will include views of the eclipse from spots in New Mexico and Texas, as well as interviews with scientists and other experts.