01
There is no totality
During an annular eclipse part of the bright Sun is always visible. There is no phase when you can remove solar eye protection and look directly.
Safe solar viewing
How to View the 2027 Annular Eclipse Safely
The rule is simple: on 6 February 2027 the Sun is never completely covered. Proper solar viewing protection is required throughout the entire eclipse for any direct viewing.
The critical difference from a total eclipse
Do not remove your eclipse glasses during the ring of fire
A total eclipse has a brief phase when the Sun’s bright face is completely covered. An annular eclipse never does. NASA states that during a partial or annular eclipse it is never safe to look directly without proper solar eye protection.
02
Eclipse glasses, not sunglasses
Ordinary sunglasses, however dark, are not safe for looking at the Sun. Use a direct solar viewer designed for the purpose and compliant with ISO 12312-2.
03
Inspect the viewer first
Discard scratched, torn, punctured or otherwise damaged viewers. Supervise children closely so protection remains correctly positioned.
04
Optics need a different filter
Cameras, telephoto lenses, binoculars and telescopes need a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front, Sun-facing end. Do not look through optics relying only on eclipse glasses.
Cameras, phones, binoculars and telescopes
The risk increases with optics that concentrate sunlight. NASA warns that viewing the Sun through a camera, binoculars or telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front can cause severe eye injury immediately. Eclipse glasses on your face do not replace that filter.
Filter placement rule:
Instrument filters go over the objective/aperture at the Sun-facing end. If you are unsure what your equipment requires, consult its manufacturer or an experienced solar observer.
Buying eclipse glasses: what to check
Look for viewers designed specifically for direct solar viewing that state compliance with ISO 12312-2, and buy from reputable manufacturers or distributors. The American Astronomical Society maintains dedicated guidance on suppliers and how to interpret the standard.
Printing “ISO” on a product does not by itself prove authenticity, which is why reputable sourcing matters in addition to the standard reference.