With protective viewing glasses selling out in several regions as people prepare to watch the August 12 solar eclipse, those unable to find certified eyewear can still use alternative methods to observe the event safely. However, except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialised eye protection.
Viewing any part of the bright Sun through a camera lens, binoculars or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optical device can cause severe eye injury.
