How to safely watch a total solar eclipse
If you're in the path of totality,
you'll have a chance to watch a total solar eclipse.
You'll need a pair of eclipse glasses or other indirect viewing method
You'll need a pair of eclipse glasses to safely observe the sun.
Here's what you can expect to see if the sky is clear:
Partial Eclipse: Sun's disk partially blocked by moon. Can last over an hour.
Diamond Ring: Sunlight streaming through the moon's valleys creates single bright flash of light
Marks the last few seconds before totality
Baily's Beads: Only low-lying valleys on the moon's edge allow sunlight through
Totality: Moon covers the entire disk of the sun. Only visible within the path of totality. Don't take your glasses off elsewhere.
May last under a minute in some locations
Final Stages: Crescent begins to peek out from behind the moon. Stop looking directly at the sun