Eclipse viewers can enjoy experiencing an eclipse. timeanddate.com recommends some basic tips for eclipse viewers, including safety precautions and general tips on equipment for both solar and lunar eclipse enthusiasts.
The above image shows a general partial solar eclipse as seen in Germany on May 31, 2003. ©iStockphoto.com/Hans-Walter Untch
Safety for Solar Eclipse Viewers
Solar eclipse watchers need to take some precautions prior to observing the eclipse. This is because the sun’s photosphere emits intense infrared and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Just as UV radiation causes sunburn to skin, it can also damage the retinas in the eyes at a much faster rate. The human eye can suffer permanent damage if it is exposed to direct sunlight for a few seconds. It is recommended that one wears protective eyewear to safely observe an eclipse.
The only way to view the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun safely is to either project or filter the solar photosphere’s rays. The moon does this by completely masking the photosphere during a solar eclipse’s total phase (Harrington, 1997, p. 25).
A safe way to view the sun is to project its image on a screen, such as white paper or cardboard. Projection works well with or without a telescope or binoculars. One must never look through the telescope’s eyepiece or side-mounted finder scope when aiming a telescope or binocular at the sun to project a magnified sun’s image on a screen of white cardboard.
Many eclipse viewers and photographers use special solar filters to view the sun during a partial eclipse. It is important to use the proper type of solar filter that are designed for the task. Check that filters do not crack under the sun’s magnified and focused intensity and avoid using photographic neutral-density filters or smoked glass (Harrington, 1997, p. 29). Solar filters must be treated with care or they can quickly become damaged and unsafe to use.
Solar Eclipse Equipment
Equipment used for solar eclipses include:
- Eyepiece(s).
- A solar filter.
- A solar projection screen.
- A camera.
- A camera lens.
- Film or a memory card.
- A cable release (including a spare).
- A video camera.
- A videotape.
- Spare batteries.
- A tripod.
- A sound recorder to record comments and reactions.
- A shortwave radio to keep track of time.
- A space blanket.
- Sunscreen and a hat.
- A stopwatch.
- A thermometer.
- A white bed sheet used to catch a glimpse of shadow bands.
- Duct tape.
- Elastic bands.
- A logbook.
- Food, drinks and extra clothing.
Many people travel abroad to experience an eclipse so it is also important that they bring the right type of clothing to suit the weather and climate in the country where they are travelling.
Lunar Eclipse Viewing
A lunar eclipse can be viewed with the unaided eye unlike solar eclipses, which have special safety requirements. Some basic equipment recommended for lunar eclipses include:
- Still cameras with a high-quality lens.It is highly recommended that one has a super telephoto lens because the moon appears to be only about 0.5 degrees wide when viewed.
- A telescope that is securely supported on sturdy mounting.
- The right film (eg. for slides or prints).
- Extra batteries
- Tripods to keep cameras steady, particularly motor-driven tripods for more control.
- Cable releases, particularly for long focal-length shots or long exposures.
- Motor drives to add to cameras.
- Video cameras for those who want to capture the eclipse on video or DVD.
- Flashlights (for dark evenings).
- A sound recorder for comments and reactions.
- A watch or stopwatch to record time.
- Writing equipment to record information.
Some people recommend having a mirror lock-up (or MLU) to eliminate vibrations when photographing a lunar eclipse. It is also important for lunar eclipse viewers to have food and drinks, as well as extra clothing and other items of comfort to suit the weather at the time the solar eclipse occurs. Also, remember to charge everything. Make sure that all batteries, flashlights, tape recorders, or video cameras are fully charged on the day of the eclipse.
With regard to personal safety, it is best to be visible and preferably not alone when taking photos at night or in the dark. It is also important to stay away from restricted areas and seek permission, if required at certain locations, before taking photos.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. Information on this site is not a substitute for professional health care advice.
Astronomy calculators
- Moon Calculator – find times for moonrise, moonset and more
- Moon Phase Calculator – Calculate Moon Phases for any year
- Sunrise Calculator – find times for sunrise, sunset and more
- Day and Night World Map – See which parts of the Earth are currently illuminated by the Sun
More information
Calendar tools
- Calendar for 2010
- Calendar Generator – Create a calendar for any year
- Duration Between Two Dates – Calculates number of days
Related time zone tools
- The World Clock – current times around the world
- Time Zone Converter – If it is 3 pm in New York, what time is it in Sydney?
- Fixed Time Calculator – If it's 3 pm in New York, what time is it in the rest of the world?
