As you might have heard, there is going to be a total solar eclipse this summer, on August
21st -- one that will be visible from anywhere within a 70-mile wide band that stretches across the United States from Oregon to South Carolina. Even if you're not directly in the path or able to make the trip, you'll still be able to view an eclipse of varying degrees from other parts of North America.
To do so safely, however, you're going to need the right gear (a regular pair of sunglasses won't cut it) and know how to use it properly. If you're unsure about anything, The American Astronomical Society has a great set of resources for safe solar viewing.
RAINBOW SYMPHONY ECLIPSE GLASSES
Amazon | $12 (pack of 5)
The easiest way to view this or any solar eclipse is with a pair of so-called eclipse glasses, like these from Rainbow Symphony. There's no shortage of other options available as well, but, as NASA explains, you'll want to make sure you get a pair that meets the ISO 12312-2 standard. NASA also recommends that you check your glasses before using them, and throw them away if they're scratched or damaged.
CELESTRON ECLIPSMART 2X POWER VIEWERS
Amazon | $10
For a bit of a step up from simple eclipse glasses, you can also consider some solar viewers like these from Celestron. They'll give you the same protection as the glasses (look for the same ISO certification), but they'll also give you 2x magnification for a slightly closer look at the eclipse. They're also still a decidedly inexpensive option at just $10 for a pair of viewers, which also includes a handy fold-out map with a vintage style poster on the reverse side.
SOLAR FILTERS
Amazon | $10 and up
If you already have binoculars, a telescope, or a camera that you want to view or capture the eclipse with, you can do so by adding a proper filter to it. Here, your options are pretty open ended. You can buy a simple solar filter sheet for as little as $10 that you can use to make your own filter, or you can buy a purpose-built solar lens filter that's suitable for your lens (or lenses), the latter of which can get quite a bit pricier. As with other eclipse viewing gear, you need to make sure the filter is up to the necessary standards, and don't use it if it's scratched, damaged.
CELESTRON ECLIPSMART 10X42 BINOCULARS
Amazon | $76
Binoculars are a simple and inexpensive alternative to telescopes for surveying the night sky, and a pair that's safe for solar viewing are also a great option for observing the sun (during an eclipse or otherwise). These EclipSmart binoculars from Celestron have non-removable solar filters, so they won't do double-duty for non-solar viewing, but there's no danger of misplacing or forgetting to put the filters on if you're rushing to catch the eclipse.
MEADE ECLIPSEVIEW 82MM TELESCOPE
Amazon | $80
You'll likely want to also have some solar-safe glasses or binoculars on hand to fully take in the eclipse, but a telescope with a solar filter will give you the most detailed view. If you don't already have a scope and are looking for a simple all-in-one kit, this 82mm reflector telescope from Meade will get the job done in a nice and portable package. It comes with a removeable solar filter that you can use for watching the eclipse or general observation of the sun, and the telescope is more than capable enough for some basic nighttime viewing of the moon and planets when the filter is removed.
DIY Projects
If you're looking to take advantage of the eclipse for a bit of a science project, there's a number of different DIY options that you can take on.
