How to See an Eclipse

Do you want to see an eclipse and do not know exactly what you need? The truth is that it will depend on what type of astronomical phenomenon is involved, that is, whether it is a solar or a Moon eclipse, since the considerations are different.

Likewise, extreme security measures must be taken to visualize an eclipse of the Sun to avoid that the radiation could damage our eyesight. Therefore, in this article, we explain in detail how to see a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse.

How to see a solar eclipse?

First of all, we must point out that the solar eclipse is the one that occurs at the moment when the Sun is hidden by the Moon because it is aligned between the Sun and the Earth. If you want to expand the information about the eclipses of Sun, i recommend you this article how a solar eclipse occurs.

So, this type of eclipse is the one that requires more caution when it comes to visualizing the astronomical phenomenon, since we should NEVER look directly at the Sun , since ultraviolet rays are harmful to our eyes and vision. Similarly, it will not do to use dark sunglasses or homemade tricks such as photographic negatives or CDs, or even through telescopes or binoculars without special filters.

To see a solar eclipse safely you can choose:

Eclipse glasses : these are specific and approved lenses with sunscreen to protect our eyes. We recommend an opacity index of 5 or higher, which you can find in opticians or pharmacies.
Solar filters for telescopes and / or binoculars : these are special lenses with protection against solar rays that you can adapt in your astronomical vision device to visualize the solar eclipse.
Sun Projector : you can choose to focus a mirror towards the sun and project the reflection on a white wall in order to visualize how the solar eclipse occurs without looking directly at the Sun.
Astronomical observatories : the main centers of astronomy usually offer the possibility of visualizing solar eclipses through their powerful devices correctly adapted.
Through the Internet : numerous websites allow you to watch the broadcast of the solar eclipse even live.
As for welding crystals or welding screens , a very extended home method to see eclipses, vision experts say that it is not a totally safe method for our vision, although some websites claim that they are only those of the 14th caliber.

How to see an eclipse of the Moon?

In the case of lunar eclipses , they are those that take place when the Earth is aligned between the Sun and the Moon, so that the shadow of the planet obscures its satellite; to know all the details, see also the article how a moon eclipse occurs.

About how to see a lunar eclipse, it should be noted that no type of precaution is necessary, since they are visualized at night and no light can damage our eyes.

Thus, it will only be necessary to move away from urban areas with excessive lighting to better see the eclipse of the Moon, as well as using a telescope or binoculars to observe this phenomenon more closely.