Moon's Hide-And-Seek: From Dark To Earthshine

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E​xperts say one of the safest ways to view the upcoming annular solar eclipse is through special eclipse glasses.

T​hey can be ordered online or purchased in stores, including some big box retailers. But don't wait until it's too late - the eclipse happens on Saturday, Oct. 14.

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W​hat Are Solar Eclipse Glasses?

Inexpensive versions of eclipse "glasses" are made from paper and a film or polymer specially designed to block out the sun's damaging rays. Regular sunglasses won't cut it no matter how dark the lenses are.

"Eclipse glasses are one of the easiest ways to safely view the sun, during an eclipse or whenever," John S. Gianforte, astronomer and director of the University of New Hampshire Observatory, said in an email. "They can be used to view the sun anytime and must be worn during ALL of the partial phases of a solar eclipse."

Handheld solar viewers are another option.

I​n both cases, double check to make sure they comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard for viewing the sun.

You should never put anything over the eclipse glasses or use them to look through a phone or camera because that can concentrate the sun's rays and make them even more dangerous, according to NASA.

"They are to be worn just like regular glasses," Gianforte said. "If you wear glasses, just place the eclipse glasses on over your eyeglasses. We want the light of the sun to pass through the eclipse glasses first."

C​ounterfeit eclipse glasses have flooded the market during previous solar eclipses. The American Astronomical Association recommends buying from one of their vetted manufacturers, sellers or retail stores. The association notes that NASA doesn't endorse or approve any products.

W​hat Is An Annular Solar Eclipse?

A​n annular solar eclipse, also called a "ring of fire," happens when the moon is at or near its farthest point from Earth. That makes the moon look smaller, leaving a bright circle of sun around the moon at the peak of the eclipse.

That means the sun never totally disappears behind the moon, which is why it's so important to protect your eyes when viewing it.

Everyone in the Lower 48 states will be able to see at least part of the eclipse, but the best places to watch are in the west, including Oregon, northern California, Nevada, Utah, northeast Arizona, southwest Colorado, New Mexico and Texas.

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(​Adam Watson contributed to this report.)

Weather.com reporter Jan Childs covers breaking news and features related to weather, space, climate change, the environment and everything in between.

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