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With so much on offer in the way of solar reckon equipment these days — from occultation chicken feed to solar scope — this scout boast our top good word for make the most of the partialsolar eclipseon 29 March , ensuring that you do n’t fall into the many pitfalls of take the outfit that ’s right for you — whether that ’s choosing the faulty product or making certain your gear wheel is dependable to view the sun with .
We care clear sky for those in Europe , Asia , Africa , North America , South America , piece of the Atlantic and the Arctic regions in monastic order to see this fantastic event . Enjoy the show !
Solar eclipse glasses can be used by the whole family.(Image credit: Getty Images)
Best solar eclipse glasses
If you ’re planning to observe the eclipse in a radical of four , and need a outfit that ’s simple and good to use , this multi - plurality of EclipSmart Solar Shades from one of our favorite brand , Celestron , might be up your street . They not only boast solar - safe filter technology by conforming to the international condom standard for solar filter ( ISO 12312 - 2:2015(E ) ) — but they also come complete with a 32 - Thomas Nelson Page book on occultation , which ( while tie to the eclipses of 2023 and 2024 ) still contains some handy tips and tricks for observing this yr ’s spectacle .
These solar eclipse glasses from Baader are not only budget - friendly , but they ’re make to enhance your observing experience thanks to the workmanship of an eye - sided automatic - free material , with an optical density of 5.0 . A personal front-runner of our during the occultation of August 2017 , the AstroSolar Sun Solar Eclipse Sunglasses sport AstroSolar argent / amber film that ’s CE- and ISO - certified and complies with the requirements for center base hit when observing our nearest star ( EN ISO 12312 - 2:2015 ) . Eclipse watchers also have the added safety of 100 % UV - protection and 100 % IR - protection , so we felt wholly dependable in the hand of Baader when using these .
If you ’re looking for something that ’s much more “ permanent ” , then we commend these surprisingly stylish solar occultation glasses from Rainbow Symphony . Perhaps a brand that not many have get a line of before , we made use of these during June 2021 ’s solar eclipse and found them a delectation to wear . They ’re comfortable , fit over regular spectacles and we did n’t feel that we had to hold them to our face while honour . They ’re also ISO- and CE - compliant — so no UV and IR getting to your eyes — and we had crisp , clear views of the eclipse . The scratch - repellent polymer material also gave us confidence when worry for the safety of our eyes .
Solar eclipse glasses can be used by the whole family.(Image credit: Getty Images)
Pros & cons of solar eclipse glasses
Best solar filters
We ’ve made use of this filter from DayStar , and wholeheartedly urge it . You will call for to have an instrument with an “ outside objective ” that ’s between 65 and 80 millimeter in order for it to match , but once slotted on with the spring - folded fins it ’s a fairly cheap piece of outfit that adds versatility to your observe armoury .
We trusted the Thousand Oaks density 5 SolarLite Film , and — with the combined magnification of our telescope — we achieved a very pleasant , clear and nippy view of our nearest star during the June 2021 solar eclipse . We have used this wide-eyed but well - made filter for many observing sessions of the sun since then .
The wide trusted Baader make is an first-class choice for solar observing , and this filter is no elision . The tone is really outstanding and the foil has been CE - tested , ensuring that only 1 % of the sun ’s igniter safely reaches your eye for those breathtaking views . You ’ll see the solar disc in a neutral Andrew D. White , once you have fix it securely to your instrument .
However , we do urge adding some extra filters to truly get the best from your observation — capturing many a solar eclipse , with the tot up particularization of macula , using this filter has been a immense highlight for us . What ’s more , if the 70 mm is a bit too small or too big for your “ outer ” objective electron lens , Baader offers this filter in several sizes . We ’ve used all of them for our notice of the Sunday , so advocate set about several for that add together versatility .
If you ’re look to instantly transform your close telescope , spotting scope or DSLR camera into a solar percipient before the March 2025 eclipse , then Celestron is always a great brand to turn to . Some solar astronomers blaspheme by easiness in terms of kit for view the solar surface in its gloriole , and for less than $ 20 , you ca n’t really go improper with this super - secure ( ISO 12312 - 2:2015(E)-compliant ) filter — especially if your instrumental role boast an outside documentary diameter of 75 mm and 100 mm . In our experience , it agree moderately snuggly to a telescope thanks to the issue pliant band , and the orangeness - tinted view of the solar disc added some unfeignedly beautiful warmth during our observation . Highly recommended — but do take care when folding it off in between sessions , so that you do n’t start the risk of damage the film .
Pros & cons of solar filters
Best solar binoculars
It ’s always risky consider the solar aerofoil at mellow blowup , but we did n’t feel that our safe was compromise when using this kit . Thanks to the 42 mm objective lens , we could take in a good field of view of view , while the 10x magnification provided enough particular for the cost and with pleasing contrast .
The opera glasses are quite lightweight , prosperous and offer a non - slip bobby pin , take in them easy to deal during recollective observation seance , while the durable , galosh - coated design add to their sturdiness . sunspot are within easy reach of the Celestron EclipSmart 10x42 ’s optical system of rules if you ’re inspired to honor the sun after or before the occultation .
take our fullCelestron EclipSmart 10x42 solar binocular review
Lunt is a firm favorite for solar observer , and continues to deliver with these lightweight , summary and vibrantly dark binoculars . They get our mold of approval on condom as they block out pretty much all sparkle from the sun — and most significantly 100 % of the harmful ultraviolet and infrared element — leaving a belittled 0.00001 % to take in the views through the modest 32 mm object lens . They ’re so thickset that we were able to slip them into our pockets as we waited for the January 2019 eclipse to reach its annular form . focalize was a bit of a challenge , but once focus is achieved , clarity and demarcation are very good given the cost . The middle respite is also very full for spectacle wearers .
Pros & cons of solar binoculars
Best solar telescopes
idealistic for specifically look at sunsets , sunspots and solar occultation , the EclipSmart Solar Telescope has a permanent solar filter attached to the lens of the eye , which conform to the ISO 12312 - 2:2015(E ) standard , making it a permanently dependable solar filter . It ’s a fantastic manner of baffle a near view of the occultation if you do n’t require to corrupt a regular telescope with a separate filter .
If you want to catch the occultation safely with a telescope but require the versatility to also employ it during the night for stargazing , the iOptron White Light Solar Scope has a detachable solar filter . The 80 mm objective lens and 400 mm focal distance are pure for enamour wide prospect of the sky , but if you already own a telescope , we ’d advocate get a solar filter for it alternatively .
Pros & cons of solar telescopes
Contributing experts
Dr. Ryan French a solar physicist , scientific discipline communicator and author , currently pursuing the mysteries of the Sun at the cutting edge of modern solar physics research in Boulder , CO — using cut back edge telescope on the ground and in space . In addition to his scientific work , Ryan strives to divvy up the wonders of the Sun and quad with the populace , through social media , museums and observatory , and on television and radio . His first book , ' The Sun : beginner ’s pathfinder to our local star ' , is usable everywhere now .
FAQs
Why is it important to use proper equipment, even when the sun is covered?
We asked solar physicist Dr Ryan French , who severalise Live Science:“Any partial solar eclipse , even if block 99 % of the Sun , is still not dependable to seem at directly . Although some of the Sun will be block off by the Moon , any fraction of direct sun is still bright enough to damage your eyes . Although looking immediately at the Sun may not dim you completely , you could permanently strive your imagination , or even damage the sensitive rods in your centre ( which could make your color perception for good desaturated ) . Besides , the Sun is so bright , you would n’t be capable to see anything worthwhile from staring at it anyway — so it ’s not deserving trying . "
What certifications or safety standards does solar viewing equipment need to meet in order to be safe to use?
Dr Ryan French tell us:“Solar viewing equipment must meet international standard to be verifiably dependable to use . This is called the ISO 12312 - 2 measure , and should be listed somewhere in the ware description . For more selective information on this , you’re able to check out the dedicatedwebpageon the subject from the American Astronomical Society . During former solar eclipses , there have been concerns of unsafe , knock - off eclipse glass entering the marketplace . "
Can I view the solar eclipse with my sunglasses?
No , dark glasses are not strong enough to view a solar occultation safely .
Will I be able to see the March 29 solar eclipse in my state?
The partial solar occultation on March 29 , 2025 , will be most visible the more northeast you go in the USA — thirteen US states will be able to reckon it .
Can you view the solar eclipse with a smartphone camera?
Dr Ryan French told us:“Pointing a smartphone directly at the solar eclipse is secure to do , providing you do n’t look directly at the Sun yourself . You ’ll likely find that the Sun is too bright for the telephone to see the eclipse direct , but any lens flaring around the Sun will be recognisable in the shape of the partial occultation . Alternatively , if the Sun is behind any fog or a thin layer of cloud , your telephone may be able to see the crescent Sun . "
Solar filters provide versatility for your existing gear.(Image credit: Hector Knudsen via Getty Images)
For a closer handheld view, solar binoculars are lightweight and travel-friendly.(Image credit: Getty Images)
Solar telescopes provide excellent viewing opportunities for eclipses, sunsets and sunspots.(Image credit: Getty Images)
