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Eclipse Viewing
Steve
During the partial stages of a Total Solar Eclipse you must never look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection; i.e by using Solar (Eclipse) Glasses or through a camera or telescope without a solar filter.
During totality it is perfectly safe to view the Moon (because you cannot see the eclipsed Sun) with your naked eyes.
As an eclipse chaser I usually work to a "5 second" rule - 5 seconds before totality before removing my glasses, and 5 seconds after before I put them back on. During this time I only glance at the view to catch the Diamond Ring or Baily Beads but for new observers I would strongly recommend you take your Solar Glasses off when you see the last bright spot (Diamond Ring) dissapear and put them on again as soon as you see the first bright spot at reappearance.
If you get the chance to view a Partial or Annular Eclispse you must always use eye protection as the Sun is in view during the entire event.
Light meters are a waist of time as you will miss the important parts of the spectacle.
There is a lot of misinformation regarding eclipse viewing but rest assured, viewing a Total Solar Eclipse during Totality - when the Moon fully covers the Sun - is perfectly safe with your naked eyes.
Chris
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