Solar Safety Golden Rule for the 2026 Eclipse

The 2026 total solar eclipse

Chapter 1

How a total solar eclipse works

Chapter 2

Chasing the path of totality

Chapter 3

The ultimate viewing experience in Iceland

Chapter 4

Spain's spectacular low-horizon sunset

Chapter 5

Safe observation and citizen science

YOUR GOAL

Master of The 2026 total solar eclipse

Ch 5 · Safe observation and citizen science

Totality Team Up

BETA

futura Play Totality Team Up and discover how to join global citizen science projects for the August 12, 2026 total solar eclipse.

futura August 2026 Total Solar Eclipse

We’re tracking our hearts when the midday sky goes dark— (Yeah, we're checking the pulse!)

futura Safely photographing the solar spectacle

The strange reactions of local wildlife

futura See how local wildlife and animals react to the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, in this educational infographic.

Safely photographing the solar spectacle

futura Learn how to capture stunning images of the August 12, 2026 total solar eclipse without damaging your camera equipment or your eyes.

Fun Fact

Confused nature: During totality, bees have been observed stopping their flight mid-air and dropping to the ground, thinking it is night.

Glossary

eclipse glasses (noun)
Protective eyewear designed with special-purpose solar filters that allow safe viewing of a solar eclipse. Spain will distribute two million free certified glasses for the August 12, 2026 event.

Gossip

Which citizen science activity sounds the most fun?

Quiz

Why should you never use regular sunglasses to view a solar eclipse?

futura The strange reactions of local wildlife

Quiz

What is the name of the brief breeze that can blow as the Moon's shadow passes over?

futura Feeling the sudden temperature plunge

Quiz

By approximately how much can the temperature drop during a total solar eclipse?

futura The golden rule of solar safety

Quiz

What can happen to a camera sensor if you point it at the Sun without a solar filter?

Quiz

When is the only safe time to look at the eclipse without solar glasses?

Quiz

Which NASA citizen science program allows families to report eclipse data using smartphones?

Quiz

What is the international safety standard code for certified solar eclipse glasses?

Quiz

How do birds typically react to the sudden darkness of a total solar eclipse?