Safe viewing
Protecting your eyes is the top priority. During the partial phases, only look at the Sun through approved protective eyewear or via a projection.
Important notice
Salud ocular
Check that your glasses are not scratched, punctured, broken or coming loose.
Uso de prismáticos, telescopios o cámaras
Always use approved filters when viewing a total solar eclipse
Prevención
Check the weather forecast and travel advice
Never look directly at the sun without proper protection, even for just a few seconds. Do not use ‘home remedies’ or assume that clouds make it safe.
Key safety tips
Quick summary de recommendations esenciales para antes y durante el eclipse.
| Area | Key advice | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Eyesight | Check that your glasses are not scratched, punctured, broken or coming loose. | Very high |
| Eyesight | do not have any holes or damage | High |
| Optics | Always use approved filters when viewing a total solar eclipse | Very high |
| Totality | Only during that brief interval can the phenomenon be observed without protective glasses, provided the Sun is completely obscured. | High |
| Traffic | heavy traffic on certain roads | High |
| Environment | Protect your head: a cap or hat is your best friend | Medium |
| Preparation | Check the weather forecast and travel advice | High |
| Material | approved solar observation glasses | High |
| During the eclipse | To view the partial phases of the eclipse, you must use only special solar viewing glasses that comply with the international standard EN ISO 12312-2 or an equivalent standard. | Very high |
Salud ocular
The main risk associated with a solar eclipse is eye damage caused by looking directly at the Sun without proper protection.
Important notice
- Check that your glasses are not scratched, punctured, broken or coming loose.
- Conventional sunglasses are not suitable for looking at the Sun. Nor should makeshift materials be used
- Only during that brief interval can the phenomenon be observed without protective glasses, provided the Sun is completely obscured.
Watching a solar eclipse is a unique experience, but doing so without proper protection can cause serious eye damage. During the partial phases of the eclipse, looking directly at the Sun without protection can cause permanent damage to the retina.
The retina does not have pain receptors, so an eye injury can occur without the person feeling any immediate discomfort. In some cases, symptoms appear hours or even days after exposure.
For this reason, it is essential to always follow the safety guidelines for observing the Sun.
Adequate protection
To view the partial phases of the eclipse, you must use only special solar viewing glasses that comply with the international standard EN ISO 12312-2 or an equivalent standard.
Before using them, it is advisable to check that they are in good condition and come from a reputable manufacturer or supplier.
Antes de utilizarlas, comprueba que:
- Check that your glasses are not scratched, punctured, broken or coming loose.
- do not have any holes or damage
- come from a reliable manufacturer or distributor
Invalid methods
Conventional sunglasses are not suitable for looking at the Sun. Nor should makeshift materials be used
- X-rays
- cristales ahumados
- filtros fotográficos no diseñados para observación solar
- discos compactos u otros materials similares
Estos métodos no protegen la vista y pueden provocar lesiones graves.
Uso de prismáticos, telescopios o cámaras
You must not look at the Sun through binoculars, telescopes, cameras or any other optical instrument without a special solar filter fitted to the front of the device.
Incorrect use of optical instruments can amplify solar radiation and cause serious eye damage in a matter of seconds. Furthermore, eclipse glasses should never be used in conjunction with binoculars or telescopes, as they are not designed to withstand the intensity of the light concentrated by these instruments.
Throughout the eclipse
During a total solar eclipse, there is a brief moment known as the totality phase, during which the Sun is completely obscured by the Moon.
Only during that brief interval can the phenomenon be observed without protective glasses, provided the Sun is completely obscured.
As soon as the first ray of sunlight appears, you must reapply sunscreen immediately.
Warning signs
If you experience any of the following symptoms after watching the eclipse, you should consult a healthcare professional:
- Always use approved filters when viewing a total solar eclipse
- the appearance of dark spots in the centre of your vision
- image distortion
- dificultad para enfocar
Otros riesgos
In addition to eye protection, watching an eclipse can involve other risks associated with travel, spending long periods outdoors and large crowds gathering at certain viewing spots.
Otros riesgos
- heavy traffic on certain roads
- Protect your head: a cap or hat is your best friend
- Walking whilst looking up at the sky can cause you to fall or trip
Planning your day properly helps to minimise these risks and enjoy the event safely.
Viewing the eclipse may involve travelling, long waits outdoors or accessing high-altitude, rural or coastal areas. There may also be large crowds at certain viewing spots.
Travel and traffic
Eclipses tend to attract large numbers of visitors to areas where viewing conditions are best. This can lead to:
- heavy traffic on certain roads
- dificultades de aparcamiento
- paradas en lugares no habilitados
It is recommended that you plan your journey in advance, obey road signs and always follow the instructions of the authorities and emergency services. You must never stop your vehicle on hard shoulders, bridges or in dangerous locations to watch the eclipse.
Staying outdoors
Watching the eclipse may involve spending several hours outdoors, especially if you are waiting for the moment of totality. In August, it is important to protect yourself from prolonged exposure to the sun.
- Protect your head: a cap or hat is your best friend
- apply sun cream
- look for shady areas
- drink water regularly
Older people, children and those with certain medical conditions may be more sensitive to heat and dehydration.
Safety en el entorno
When observing the eclipse, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid dangerous situations. For example:
- Walking whilst looking up at the sky can cause you to fall or trip
- Entering unauthorised areas can be dangerous
- permanecer en zonas elevadas, acantilados o bordes de carreteras requiere especial precaución
Many people choose to watch the eclipse in natural settings. In such cases, it is important to respect the environment, leave no litter behind and avoid any behaviour that could cause a fire. August is the month with the highest risk of forest fires, so current fire prevention regulations must be strictly observed.
Preparatoy actions
The best way to enjoy the eclipse is to plan ahead.
Prevención
- Check the weather forecast and travel advice
- approved solar observation glasses
- To view the partial phases of the eclipse, you must use only special solar viewing glasses that comply with the international standard EN ISO 12312-2 or an equivalent standard.
Planning your observation spot, bringing the right equipment and following safety guidelines will allow you to enjoy the experience with peace of mind and minimise any potential risks.
Una buena preparación mejora la experiencia y ayuda a disfrutar del eclipse de forma segura y responsable.
Antes del eclipse
Antes de desplazarse al lugar de observación es recomendable:
- Check the weather forecast and travel advice
- find out about access routes and any traffic restrictions
- plan your journey time
- choose a safe place from which to observe the phenomenon.
Recommended material
Para la safe viewing del eclipse es recomendable llevar:
- approved solar observation glasses
- enough water
- sun protection
- gorra o sombrero
- ropa adecuada para permanecer al aire libre
Durante la observación
During the eclipse es importante:
- To view the partial phases of the eclipse, you must use only special solar viewing glasses that comply with the international standard EN ISO 12312-2 or an equivalent standard.
- vigilar a menores y personas que necesiten apoyo
- avoid walking whilst looking up at the sky
- follow the instructions given by the organisers and security staff
Responsabilidad colectiva
An eclipse is a natural phenomenon that can draw thousands of people to the same area. Enjoying the event responsibly means:
- comply with safety regulations
- follow the authorities’ advice
- look after the natural environment
- facilitar la convivencia con la población local