{
  "id": 28445,
  "title": "How to safely watch a solar eclipse",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/07/31/how-to-safely-watch-a-solar-eclipse",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-07-31T14:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ESA Space Science",
    "slug": "esa-space-science",
    "url": "https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2026/07/How_to_safely_watch_a_solar_eclipse"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A solar eclipse is a breathtaking sight, but it can only be safely enjoyed with proper precautions. ESA reserve astronaut Sara García Alonso provides advice on how to appreciate this remarkable celestial event while protecting one's eyesight. Ordinary sunglasses are insufficient for viewing a solar eclipse; certified eclipse glasses are essential.\n\nDuring an eclipse, the Moon gradually obscures the Sun's light, revealing the Sun's outer atmosphere known as the corona. Different stages of the eclipse present varying levels of danger to the eyes. Observing the Sun directly without appropriate protection during the partial phases can cause permanent eye damage or blindness.\n\nIt is crucial to use certified eclipse glasses that meet international safety standards. These glasses filter out harmful solar radiation, allowing safe viewing of the partial phases. Ordinary sunglasses do not provide sufficient protection against the intense light emitted during an eclipse.\n\nAstronaut Pablo Álvarez Fernández advises timing your observation correctly. Once the Moon completely covers the Sun, creating a total solar eclipse, it becomes safe to remove the eclipse glasses and directly observe the Sun's corona. However, this brief period of safety is only during the total phase of the eclipse.\n\nTo fully experience this awe-inspiring cosmic event, be sure to follow these guidelines: use certified eclipse glasses when viewing the partial phases, remove the glasses only during the total phase, and never look at the Sun through ordinary sunglasses. By adhering to these safety measures, you can witness one of the greatest shows in the Solar System without endangering your vision.",
  "summary": "Video: 00:01:34 [English]: A solar eclipse is an unforgettable sight, but only if you watch it safely! ESA reserve astronaut Sara García Alonso shows you how to enjoy this incredible cosmic event using certified eclipse glasses and explains why ordinary sunglasses are not enough. Learn what happens during the different stages of an eclipse, when it is safe to look up, and how to experience one of…",
  "key_points": [
    "Certified eclipse glasses essential for safe viewing",
    "Ordinary sunglasses insufficient for eclipse protection",
    "Total phase safe to remove glasses and observe corona"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}