How to protect your eyes during the solar eclipse

On Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, people throughout the country will see a partial eclipse of the sun, and those in a 70-mile wide path through 11 states will see a total eclipse.

Here in the Twin Cities, the partial eclipse starts at 11:43 a.m. The skies will continue to darken until the maximum eclipse occurs at 1:06 p.m. At that point, more than 80 percent of the sun will be covered by the moon. Then the skies begin to lighten until the eclipse ends at 2:29 p.m.

You need to protect your eyes if you plan to watch the eclipse, no matter where you are in the country. Irreversible vision loss from a retinal burn can occur if these precautions are not taken. Here's what you need to know about viewing the eclipse.

Text-only version of how to protect your eyes during the eclipse

As the infographic says: Solar eclipse glasses must meet a world-wide standard known as ISO 12312-2. Looking straight at the sun, whether or not there is an eclipse, can cause permanent damage to the retina. Do not view the sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or other similar device, even if you are wearing eclipse glasses or holding a solar viewer at the same time. Consult with an expert if you want to use devices like these to view the sun. The only safe way to directly view the sun during a solar eclipse is with special solar filter or eclipse glasses. Do no use filters or glasses with any damage or scratches. Ordinary sunglasses or homemade filters are not safe for viewing the sun. Put the eclipse glasses on or hold the solar filter in front of your eyes before looking at the eclipse. Do not remove them until after you’ve turned away.