Solar Eclipse FAQ’s
Can looking at a solar eclipse damage your eyes?
Yes. Looking directly at the Sun during a solar eclipse can cause serious and permanent eye damage known as solar retinopathy. This happens when intense sunlight burns the retina at the back of the eye.
Why is a solar eclipse dangerous for eyesight?
During an eclipse, the environment becomes darker, causing pupils to widen. This allows more harmful solar radiation to enter the eye, increasing the risk of retinal damage if proper protection is not used.
Can eye damage happen without pain?
Yes. Retinal damage is usually painless because the retina does not contain pain receptors. Many people may not realise injury has occurred until symptoms appear hours later.
What are the symptoms of solar eye damage?
Symptoms may include:
- Blurred vision
- Dark or blind spots
- Distorted vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Difficulty seeing colours
- Headaches after viewing the eclipse
Is solar eye damage permanent?
In some cases, vision may improve over time, but severe retinal burns can cause permanent vision loss.
Are sunglasses safe for viewing a solar eclipse?
No. Standard sunglasses, even very dark ones, do not provide enough protection from harmful solar radiation.
What kind of eye protection is safe?
Only eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard should be used. So that means no sunglasses, welding glasses. X-Ray Film, photographic film or cd/ dvd.
Please purchase your eye protection from a reputable supplier.
How can I tell if eclipse glasses are safe?
Safe eclipse glasses should:
- Be certified ISO 12312-2 compliant
- Have no scratches or punctures
- Come from a reputable manufacturer
- Block nearly all visible sunlight
If the glasses appear damaged or counterfeit, do not use them.
Can children watch a solar eclipse?
Yes, but they should always be supervised and wear properly fitted eclipse glasses throughout viewing.
Is it safe to look during totality?
This is not safe because it is difficult to judge the moment of perfect totality.
Can I use my phone camera to view the eclipse?
Looking at the eclipse through a phone screen is generally safer than looking directly at the Sun, but photographing the eclipse without proper filters can still damage camera sensors.
Is it safe to use binoculars or telescopes?
Not without certified solar filters attached to the front of the equipment. Looking through binoculars or telescopes without proper solar filters can cause instant and severe eye injury.
Can contact lenses protect my eyes during an eclipse?
No. Contact lenses provide no protection against solar radiation.
What should I do if I think I damaged my eyes?
Call 111 or attend A&E soon after you experience blurred vision, blind spots, or visual distortion that last more than 15 minutes after viewing an eclipse without proper protection.
Are there safe ways to watch an eclipse without glasses?
Yes. Indirect viewing methods include:
- Pinhole projectors
- Solar projection boxes
- Watching live television or online broadcasts
Who is most at risk of eclipse eye injuries?
Children, people unaware of eclipse safety guidelines, and individuals using unfiltered optical devices are at highest risk.
How quickly can eye damage occur?
Eye damage can happen within seconds of looking directly at the Sun without proper protection.
Can cloudy weather make eclipse viewing safer?
No. Harmful ultraviolet and infrared rays can still reach your eyes through clouds. Proper eclipse protection is still required.
What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking some or all of the Sun’s light.
How often do solar eclipses occur?
Solar eclipses happen somewhere on Earth about 2–5 times each year, but total solar eclipses are much rarer for any specific location.
What are the different types of solar eclipses?
There are four main types:
- Total Solar Eclipse – The Moon completely covers the Sun.
- Partial Solar Eclipse – Only part of the Sun is covered.
- Annular Solar Eclipse – The Moon appears smaller than the Sun, creating a “ring of fire.”
- Hybrid Solar Eclipse – Appears total in some places and annular in others.
What happens during a total solar eclipse?
During totality:
- The sky becomes dark like twilight.
- Temperatures may drop slightly.
- Stars and planets can become visible.
- The Sun’s outer atmosphere, called the corona, may be seen.
How long does a solar eclipse last?
The entire event can last a few hours, but totality usually lasts only a few minutes in any one location.
What is the path of totality?
The path of totality is the narrow area on Earth where a total solar eclipse can be fully seen.
Can animals react to a solar eclipse?
Yes. Some animals may behave as if it is nighttime, such as birds returning to nests or insects becoming active.
Do solar eclipses affect the weather?
A solar eclipse can briefly lower temperatures and change wind patterns slightly, but it does not cause major weather changes.
How can I safely photograph a solar eclipse?
Use a solar filter on cameras, telescopes, or binoculars. Looking through camera equipment without proper filters can damage both your eyes and the equipment.
What is the difference between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse?
- A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon blocks the Sun.
- A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon.
When is the next solar eclipse?
The list of solar eclipses as per the Gibraltar Astronomical Society is as follows:
| 12th August | Partial Solar Eclipse |
| 28th August | Partial Lunar Eclipse |
2026:
| 6th February | Partial Solar Eclipse |
| 20th February | Penumbral Lunar Eclipse |
| 2nd August | Total Solar Eclipse |
| 17th August | Penumbral Lunar Eclipse |
2027:
For more information on the eclipse events, please click on the link below which will direct you to the Gibraltar Astronomical Society’s website
