According to a NASA document, observing the Sun, however, can be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. The primary concern over improper viewing of the Sun during an eclipse is the development of 'eclipse blindness' or retinal burns.
When a person looks repeatedly, or for a long time, at the Sun without proper eye protection, it causes retinal damage.
One of the most widely available filters for safe solar viewing is shade number 14 welder's glass, which can be obtained from welding supply outlets.
A popular inexpensive alternative is aluminised polyester that has been specially made for solar observation. This material is commonly known as Mylar.
Image: This image taken in March 2006, shows a girl watching a projected image of the partial solar eclipse.
Photograph: Manan Vatsyayana/AFP/Getty Images
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