1
00:00:01,066 --> 00:00:04,000
How to Safely Watch a Total Solar Eclipse

2
00:00:06,000 --> 00:00:12,100
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse
will cross North America.

3
00:00:13,766 --> 00:00:17,333
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon
passes between the Sun and Earth, 

4
00:00:17,333 --> 00:00:21,300
fully or partially blocking the
Sun’s light.

5
00:00:23,100 --> 00:00:29,000
To safely observe a solar eclipse, wear
eclipse glasses (not sunglasses) or use 

6
00:00:29,000 --> 00:00:31,933
an indirect viewing method.

7
00:00:33,433 --> 00:00:39,833
If you're in the path of totality, here's
how to safely watch the eclipse.

8
00:00:42,233 --> 00:00:45,133
Phase 1 Glasses On Partial Eclipse

9
00:00:45,133 --> 00:00:48,366
The Sun’s disk is partially blocked by the
Moon. In most locations, this will last 

10
00:00:48,366 --> 00:00:51,266
over an hour. It is not safe to look
directly at the Sun without specialized

11
00:00:51,266 --> 00:00:52,466
eye protection.

12
00:00:53,066 --> 00:00:55,233
Phase 2 Glasses On Diamond Ring

13
00:00:55,233 --> 00:00:57,733
Sunlight streaming through the Moon’s
valleys creates a single bright flash 

14
00:00:57,733 --> 00:01:00,133
of light. This marks the last few seconds
before totality. It is not safe to look 

15
00:01:00,133 --> 00:01:02,500
directly at the Sun without
specialized eye protection.

16
00:01:02,666 --> 00:01:04,666
Phase 3 Glasses On Baily’s Beads

17
00:01:04,666 --> 00:01:06,733
For a few moments, low-lying valleys on 

18
00:01:06,733 --> 00:01:09,133
the Moon’s edge allow sunlight to pass
through. It is not safe to look 

19
00:01:09,133 --> 00:01:10,800
directly at the Sun without
specialized eye protection.

20
00:01:11,066 --> 00:01:13,333
Phase 4 Glasses Off Totality

21
00:01:13,333 --> 00:01:16,900
The Moon completely covers the disk of the
Sun. This can only be seen in the path of 

22
00:01:16,900 --> 00:01:20,600
totality and will last up to 4 ½ minutes.
Totality is not visible through eclipse 

23
00:01:20,600 --> 00:01:24,233
glasses. Do not remove your eclipse
glasses if you are outside the path.

24
00:01:24,866 --> 00:01:26,600
Phase 5 Glasses On Final Stages

25
00:01:26,600 --> 00:01:29,666
Following another diamond ring, a crescent
shape begins to peek out from behind the 

26
00:01:29,666 --> 00:01:32,933
Moon. As the diamond ring reappears, wear
your eclipse glasses or use an indirect 

27
00:01:32,933 --> 00:01:35,733
viewing method. It is not safe to look
directly at the Sun without specialized 

28
00:01:35,733 --> 00:01:37,766
eye protection. 

29
00:01:38,366 --> 00:01:43,700
To learn more about eclipse safety visit
go.nasa.gov/EclipseSafety