SydneyEclipse2028

Eclipse Safety Guide

Looking directly at the Sun — even during a partial eclipse — can cause permanent eye damage in seconds. But with the right precautions, watching a total solar eclipse is completely safe and one of the most incredible experiences in nature.

The Golden Rule

You must use proper solar filters during every phase of the eclipse except during totality itself. When the Sun is completely covered by the Moon (and only then), it is safe — and essential — to remove your glasses and look with your naked eyes. You'll know totality has begun when the diamond ring disappears and the corona becomes visible.

Eclipse Glasses

Eclipse glasses (also called solar viewers) are the simplest and most common way to safely view the partial phases. They use special solar filter material that blocks 99.997% of sunlight.

What to Look For

  • Must meet the ISO 12312-2:2015 standard
  • Look for the ISO certification printed on the glasses
  • Buy from reputable vendors — the American Astronomical Society maintains a list of verified suppliers
  • Inspect before use: if the filter is scratched, punctured, or separating from the frame, discard them

What NOT to Use

  • Regular sunglasses (even very dark ones)
  • Stacked sunglasses
  • Smoked glass
  • CDs or DVDs
  • Camera ND filters (unless specifically rated for solar)
  • Welding glass below shade #14

Australian retailers stocking ISO-certified eclipse glasses will be listed here as we approach the event. Sign up for gear alerts to be notified when they become available.

Photographing the Eclipse

With Your Phone

  • Solar filter over the lens for partial phases
  • Remove filter during totality — your phone handles exposure automatically
  • Lock exposure by tapping and holding before totality
  • Consider video over photos — captures reactions too

Tip: Spend most of totality watching with your eyes. You only get 3m 50s.

With a DSLR / Mirrorless

  • White-light solar filter over the lens for partial phases
  • Remove filter for totality only
  • Use a tripod and remote shutter release
  • 200-400mm lens for good solar detail + sky

Totality settings

ISO 400 · f/8 · 1/1000s to 1s bracket

Never point an unfiltered camera or telephoto lens at the Sun during the partial phases. The concentrated light can damage your sensor instantly and — if you're looking through an optical viewfinder — your eyes.

DIY Viewing Methods

📌

Pinhole Projector

Poke a small hole in cardboard and hold it to the Sun. Light projects an image of the eclipsed Sun onto a flat surface behind it. Further from the pinhole = larger image.

🥣

Colander Projection

A kitchen colander works as dozens of pinhole projectors at once. Each hole projects a small image of the eclipsed Sun. Great for kids.

🌳

Tree Shadows

Gaps between leaves act as natural pinholes, casting hundreds of crescent Sun images on the ground. One of the most beautiful effects of a partial eclipse.

Find Your Viewing Spot

Now that you know how to watch safely, find the perfect location.

Best Viewing Spots