2007-01-18 13:00:26 · 9 answers · asked by kitty 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
It depends.
A partial solar eclipse may NEVER be looked at without eye protection.
During a total solar eclipse, you can look without eye protection, but you must protect your eyes before totality ends.
2007-01-18 15:07:00 · answer #1 · answered by Keith P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The above answerers are absolutely correct. Every time there is an eclipse, several people permanently damage their eyesight by looking at it. They then want to 'warn other people' against the dangers. Not much to be said for them.
However, during the few minutes that the sun's disk is completely hidden by a total solar eclipse, it is actually safe to look at with the naked eye.
From the NASA web-site:
"In spite of these precautions, the total phase of an eclipse can and should be viewed without any filters whatsoever. The naked eye view of totality is completely safe and is overwhelmingly awe-inspiring!"
2007-01-18 13:19:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No it isn't. When the moon eclipses the sun, it will get dark and your pupils will open up wide to let in all the available light. Then, without warning, a bit of the sun will appear from behind the moon and dump way too much light onto your retina, damaging it and possibly blinding you. Use a filter and be safe.
2007-01-18 13:17:26 · answer #3 · answered by That Guy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Once totality is achieved it is perfectly safe to look at the sun. You will see the most mind-bogglingly awesome sight you will ever see in your life. In the lead up to totality and in partial eclipses you must use eye protection. When the sun reappears after totality, you must use eye protection again.
It is always safe to look at a lunar eclipse without eye protection.
2007-01-18 23:09:32 · answer #4 · answered by tentofield 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's about as safe as staring at the sun without any eye protection in broad daylight. In other words, it's not good for your eyes.
2007-01-18 13:05:26 · answer #5 · answered by Arkalius 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes , by looking at the shadow of a piece of paper with a circle cut out.
Let the sun shine through the circle onto a flat surface and look at the shadows of the paper not directly at the sun itself.
you can cause severe damage when looking directly at the sun i would think.
Ob1
2007-01-18 14:47:27 · answer #6 · answered by old_brain 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it is not. The "ring of light" you see in pictures is just as intense as full sunlight. That intensity can still cause eye damage, even though part of the sun's disc is blocked.
2007-01-18 14:10:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can do it once with each eye, then you will need a dog. You can do it, but permanent retinal damage is almost assured.
2007-01-18 13:10:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
NOOOOOOOO! YOU'LL GO PARTLY OR TOTALLY BLIND! I LEARNED THAT IN 7TH GRADE! DON'T DO IT!
2007-01-18 13:08:56 · answer #9 · answered by ♥♫ Never Too Late ♫♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋