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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →A solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth, so the Moon’s shadow falls on Earth. A lunar eclipse happens when Earth moves between the Sun and Moon, so Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon. The key practical difference: a lunar eclipse is safe to watch with the naked eye, while viewing a solar eclipse directly requires proper protection except during the brief totality of a total solar eclipse.
How a solar eclipse differs from a lunar eclipse
| Question | Solar eclipse | Lunar eclipse |
|---|---|---|
| What lines up? | The Moon passes between the Sun and Earth. | Earth is between the Sun and Moon. |
| Whose shadow falls where? | The Moon’s shadow falls on Earth. | Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon. |
| Where can it be seen? | From places reached by the Moon’s shadow. Totality is visible only along its path. | From the night side of Earth wherever the Moon is above the horizon during the event. |
| Is naked-eye viewing safe? | Not during partial phases. Direct viewing without protection is safe only during the brief totality of a total solar eclipse. | Yes, during every type and stage. |
These alignments explain why the two events occur at different lunar phases: solar eclipses happen when the Moon is between the Sun and Earth, while lunar eclipses occur at full Moon. NASA explains the alignments and eclipse types on its Types of Solar Eclipses page and summarizes the distinction in NASA Space Place’s eclipse guide.
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What types of solar and lunar eclipses are there?
Solar eclipses
- Total: The Moon completely covers the Sun’s bright face for observers in the path of totality.
- Annular: The Moon appears smaller than the Sun and leaves a bright ring visible around it.
- Partial: The Moon covers only part of the Sun.
- Hybrid: The eclipse can appear total or annular from different locations as the Moon’s shadow travels across Earth’s curved surface.
Lunar eclipses
- Total: Earth’s shadow covers the Moon.
- Partial: Earth’s shadow covers part of the Moon.
- Penumbral: The Moon passes through the lighter outer part of Earth’s shadow, dimming it.
During some lunar eclipses, the Moon can appear red. The change in appearance comes as Earth’s shadow dims the Moon; the Moon is not producing its own light. NASA describes these categories on its eclipse types page and eclipse overview.
Why is a total solar eclipse visible only from a narrow path?
The Moon’s shadow reaches only a limited area of Earth. Within the path of totality, observers can see the Sun’s bright face completely covered during the total phase. Outside that path, observers may see a partial solar eclipse instead, even while totality is happening elsewhere. This location dependence is the reason a total solar eclipse is not visible to everyone watching the same event; NASA’s Space Place guide explains the contrast with lunar eclipses.
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- A COMFORTABLE FIT - These certified eclipse glasses are designed for teens and adults, featuring convenient crease lines on both sides for an easy, secure fit.
- 2023 ANNULAR AND 2024 TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSES - On October 14th 2023, an annular eclipse (when the sun forms a ring around the moon) will cross the United States from Oregon to Texas. We will then experience a once-in-a-generation Total Solar Eclipse on April 8th 2024 - the only USA total eclipse until August 23rd, 2044. You will be amazed as the moon completely blocks the sun during Totality, which lasts but mere minutes. Soluna Glasses are what you need to safely view both of these eclipses.
A lunar eclipse can be seen from a much broader region: the night side of Earth where the Moon is above the horizon during the event. Whether a particular observer can see it therefore depends on local time, the Moon’s position, and the horizon—not on being beneath a narrow shadow path.
How to watch an eclipse without risking your eyes
Watching a lunar eclipse
You can look at the Moon with your unaided eyes throughout a lunar eclipse. NASA states that unprotected viewing is safe during every type and stage.
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Watching a solar eclipse directly
Never look directly at the Sun during a partial solar eclipse without specialized solar-viewing protection. This rule applies before and after totality during a total eclipse, and throughout an annular eclipse. Ordinary sunglasses—even very dark ones—are not safe substitutes. NASA’s eclipse viewing safety guidance says solar viewers should comply with ISO 12312-2; inspect a viewer before use and discard it if it is damaged.
During a total solar eclipse only, it is safe to look without eye protection during the brief interval when the Moon completely covers the Sun’s bright face. Put protection back on as soon as any bright part of the Sun reappears. As NASA puts it: “Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing.”
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- Meets Industry Standards - Our CE and ISO certified safe shades for direct sun viewing are made while adhering to stringent safety and quality regulations set by the American Astronomical Society.
- A Comfy Fit - These certified sunglasses for eclipse are suitable for teens and adults. Featuring crease lines on both sides, these optical quality safe shades may be worn over prescription glasses.
- Filters Out Harmful Light - View eclipses safely with our paper glasses. Our solar viewers use solar safe filter technology, which helps shield your eyes from IR, UV, and 99.9999% of visible light.
- Excellent Value - Each pack contains 10 non-polarized solar eclipse glasses for viewing the sun. Share them with friends and loved ones so you can all enjoy viewing solar eclipses in complete safety.
Using cameras, binoculars, or telescopes
Do not look at the Sun through a camera, binoculars, or telescope while wearing eclipse glasses. Magnifying optics require a compatible special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the equipment. NASA advises seeking expert help before using filters with optical equipment.
Projecting the Sun indirectly
A pinhole projector lets you view an image of a partially eclipsed Sun projected onto a surface. Look at the projected image, never through the pinhole toward the Sun. NASA’s types guide and safety guidance describe indirect viewing and protection.
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- CE AND ISO CERTIFIED FOR DIRECT SUN VIEWING - Our eclipse glasses have been independently tested and verified by ICS Laboratories under the most current standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E) for filters for direct observation of the sun. You can watch the total solar eclipse with absolute confidence in your eye safety.
- OPTIMIZED DESIGN - Soluna Glasses feature scratch-resistant Silver Polymer lens material with an optical density of 5 or greater. Our glasses filter 100% of harmful ultra-violet, 100% of harmful infrared, and 99.999% of intense visible light, offering both unparalleled safety and comfort for the best viewing experience.
- A COMFORTABLE FIT - These certified eclipse glasses are designed for teens and adults, featuring convenient crease lines on both sides for an easy, secure fit.
- 2026 EUROPEAN TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE - Don’t miss the once-in-a-generation European Total Solar Eclipse on August 12th, 2026. Gather your family, friends and Soluna Glasses and prepare to be amazed as the moon passes in front of the sun, completely blocking it from view during Totality, which lasts but mere minutes.
What to check before planning to watch
- Confirm whether the event is lunar or solar and whether the solar event includes a totality phase at your location.
- For direct solar viewing outside brief totality, use an undamaged solar viewer compliant with ISO 12312-2.
- For cameras, binoculars, or telescopes, use a compatible special-purpose solar filter mounted over the front of the equipment; eclipse glasses alone do not make viewing through magnifying optics safe.
- If using projection, view only the projected image, not the Sun through the projector.
Where can the August 12, 2026 solar eclipse be seen?
NASA’s event page lists a visibility region spanning parts of Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and nearby areas for the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. The exact path and local viewing circumstances depend on location; consult NASA’s August 12, 2026 eclipse page for event-specific details.
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- 2026 Total Solar Eclipse: The solar eclipse starting on August 12, 2026. This is an essential accessory for you to prepare for observation. It can produce a clear outline and image of the sun without causing any damage to the eyes. It can reduce ultraviolet, infrared and The hazards of strong light, so you can observe the upcoming total solar eclipse with confidence.
- Absolutely 100% quality assurance: Our solar eclipse glasses lenses are extremely excellent and have passed the rigorous testing conducted by the ICS laboratory of U.S. and have an ISO 12313-2 (2015) quality inspection report. Complying with international standards, it can protect your eyes during observation.
- Suitable for everyone: Our glasses are suitable for adults and children, easy to use and very safe. If you are a scientific practitioner, astronomy enthusiast, parent or person in charge of relevant institutions and organizations, these glasses are your best choice.
- Looking directly at the sun can be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. Viewing the sun without a proper filter can cause permanent eye damage. Adequate eye protection designed specifically for viewing the sun is crucial and should be taken seriously.
- Strictly follow the instructions for use: Ensuring that there are no risks during the observation process requires our joint efforts with you. Please cooperate and watch this magnificent astronomical spectacle together, because once missed, the next one will be decades away, which is very rare.
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