Solar eclipse glasses safety: ISO 12312-2 checks
For solar eclipse glasses safety, use a direct solar viewer that complies with ISO 12312-2, inspect it before every use, and keep it on whenever any part of the bright Sun is visible. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe for looking at the Sun.
Direct-viewer inspection checklist
The NASA Science viewing guidance and the Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN) inspection guidance support these checks:
- Find the ISO 12312-2 marking on the viewer, packaging, or instructions. A marking is a screening check, not proof that an item of unknown origin is authentic.
- Check for the maker’s name, legible use and storage instructions, and any stated expiry date.
- Hold the viewer up away from the Sun and inspect the filter. Reject the viewer if it is scratched, punctured, torn, or loose in its frame.
- Follow the printed instructions and stop using any viewer that becomes damaged.
Regular or ordinary sunglasses, regardless of how dark they appear, do not replace a compliant solar viewer.
Optical-device boundary
Cameras, binoculars, and telescopes concentrate sunlight. Each requires a certified solar filter secured over the front aperture, at the Sun-facing end of the optics, before it is pointed at the Sun. Eclipse glasses alone are not sufficient with magnifying optics: do not look through an unfiltered device while wearing them. The IGN prevention guidance gives the same front-filter boundary. Seek qualified equipment guidance for the specific optical system.
Phase boundary: protection before and after totality
Outside totality, keep eye protection on whenever looking toward the Sun. Remove viewers only during verified totality, when the Moon completely covers the Sun’s bright face at your confirmed position. If you are outside the path of totality, if the eclipse is partial, or if you are not certain totality has begun, keep the viewer on.
Replace eye protection before the bright photosphere returns. If any bright part of the Sun becomes visible, look away and put the viewer back on immediately. Use the 2026 eclipse event page for planning context, but use verified local circumstances and the visible Sun to enforce this safety boundary.
Supervise children
Always supervise children using eclipse glasses or handheld viewers. An adult should inspect and fit each viewer, explain when it must stay on, and remain close enough to stop accidental removal during a partial phase.
Official distribution status
The official FECYT announcement, published 27 July 2026 and verified 9 August 2026, describes a free public campaign for the 12 August 2026 eclipse, with distribution especially from 3 August. Validity window: this note reflects that announcement from 3 August through the 12 August 2026 event. The notice does not confirm live stock at any individual site. Check the organizer’s latest program updates and contact the named participating distributor or venue directly for current availability; SkyWindow names no unverified pickup location.
Complete the planning sequence
After settling eye safety, check the timestamp and scope of the cloud forecast, read the optical limits in the eclipse photography guide, and review how SkyWindow separates calculations from editorial claims in the methodology.
Published: · Last reviewed: · Reviewed by SkyWindow editorial team