Witnessing a total solar eclipse is an experience that tops many a bucket list, but there's one very important thing you have to remember before you run outside to stare at the sun: It should never be done without the proper eye protection.

For those who are lucky enough to be in the path of one of the rarest celestial moments, here are some things to check off your safety checklist before you attempt to check this experience off your bucket list.

Unprotected eyes can mean serious, permanent damage

And it only takes a few seconds, as one woman learned in 2017. According to SpaceDaily, 26-year-old Nia Payne was in Staten Island, New York, and witnessed a partial solar eclipse. She looked at the sun for only about six seconds, the report said, but it was long enough to do permanent vision damage.

(MORE: Will weather let you see the solar eclipse in Europe, Canada and the US?)

How bad? Payne was left with a crescent-shaped blind spot in her eye that was in the exact shape of the partially eclipsed sun, and doctors found the same shape burned into her retina.

Sunglasses won't work

Think about it: Even if you are wearing sunglasses, you're not going to stare at the sun on a normal day. So why would you do that during a partial eclipse?

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Keep this information from The Conversation in mind:

How to know if your eclipse glasses are legitimate

Sadly, you do have to look out for fake eclipse glasses on the internet that could have you paying full price for a pair that won't actually protect your eyes. This is the all-important code to look for: ISO 12312-2.

(MORE: A stargazing gear guide for beginners)

That's the international standard for filters if you're planning to look at the sun, according to the American Astronomical Society. If you're purchasing your glasses in person or online, be sure to find that code; if you don't see it, the ones you're buying probably aren't legitimate.

In a pinch? Major retailers are your best bet. You'll have a chance to look them over first and verify that they're legitimate, and you won't have to worry about shipping delays, either.