Safety & standards

Eclipse safety Q&A

Direct sunlight can permanently damage your eyes in seconds. Here's what to know before you look up.

What does ISO 12312-2 mean for eclipse glasses?

ISO 12312-2 is the international standard for filters designed for direct viewing of the Sun. Compliant eclipse glasses and handheld viewers block 100% of harmful ultraviolet and infrared radiation and reduce visible light to a safe level (typically transmitting well under 0.001%). Always look for clear ISO 12312-2 marking on packaging and the product itself.

When do solar viewing glasses need to stay on?

Wear certified solar viewers whenever any part of the Sun's bright disk is visible. That includes the entire partial eclipse before and after totality, and the whole eclipse if you are outside the path of totality. Only during totality, when the Moon fully covers the Sun and the corona appears, is it safe to look with the naked eye, and only if you are inside the umbral path.

How should I inspect eclipse glasses before each use?

Hold each filter up to a bright lamp or the daytime sky (never the Sun without the filter on your face). Discard any glasses with scratched, punctured, wrinkled, or peeling filters, or damaged frames. Do not use ordinary sunglasses, exposed film, smoked glass, or homemade filters.

What should schools and groups know before eclipse day?

Children need adult supervision and glasses that fit. For classrooms and events, order enough certified viewers for every participant plus spares, rehearse the put-on / take-off timing for totality if you are in the path, and keep a written safety briefing. Wholesale packs are designed for schools, camps, and public viewing sites.

How can I avoid counterfeit eclipse viewers?

Counterfeit eclipse glasses can look convincing but fail to filter enough light. Buy from vendors who publish test reports and certificates, keep packaging until after the eclipse, and be wary of suspiciously cheap bulk offers without documentation. Our compliance documents and lab reports are published above on this page.

Are Helioclipse glasses ISO 12312-2 certified?

Yes. Helioclipse solar eclipse glasses meet ISO 12312-2:2015 for direct solar viewing. Certificates and test reports are available above on this page.

Can I look at the Sun with regular sunglasses?

No. Everyday sunglasses do not provide enough attenuation for safe direct solar viewing. Only filters that meet ISO 12312-2 (or equivalent eclipse viewers / welders shade 14) are suitable.

When can I remove the glasses during a total eclipse?

Only during totality, and only if you are inside the path where the Moon completely covers the Sun. Put the glasses back on as soon as the first bright bead of sunlight returns.