Eclipse Resources
A Total Solar EclipseA solar eclipse seen from within the Moon's umbra. The Moon appears to completely block the Sun's photosphere. More (total eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More of the Sun) will occur over Northern Australia early in the morning of 14 November 2012. This rare and spectacular phenomenon is probably the most awe inspiring event in the natural world. At the same time the whole of Australia will experience a Partial Solar EclipseA solar eclipse seen from within the Moon's penumbra. The Moon appears to block part (but not all) of the Sun's photosphere. More.
WARNING: Never look directly at the bright surface of the Sun without suitable eye protection or permanent eye damage may result. This applies at any time and especially during the partial phases of a solar eclipseThe passage of the new moon directly between the Sun and the Earth when the Moon's shadow is cast upon the Earth. The Sun appears in the sky either partially or totally covered by the Moon. More. Refer to the safe viewing advice towards the bottom of this page.
What is a Total Solar Eclipse?
The Sun and Moon appear in the sky to be roughly the same size but their sizes are actually very different. By a fortuitous coincidence the Sun is about 400 times larger than the Moon but the Sun is also about 400 times further away. So the Moon is able to just cover the Sun completely during a total solar eclipseA solar eclipse seen from within the Moon's umbra. The Moon appears to completely block the Sun's photosphere. More.
An eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More of the Sun occurs when the Moon, in its orbit around the Earth, passes between the Earth and the Sun and casts a shadow on the Earth. This can only happen at new moon. There are two parts to the Moon’s shadow. The dark cone shaped part of the shadow is called the umbraA complete shadow (as of the Moon or the Earth) within which the source of light (the Sun) is totally hidden from view. Also, the dark inner area of a sunspot. More. From any location within the umbraA complete shadow (as of the Moon or the Earth) within which the source of light (the Sun) is totally hidden from view. Also, the dark inner area of a sunspot. More, the Sun will be completely obscured (“eclipsed”), its bright light will be cut off, the sky will go dark and a total solar eclipseA solar eclipse seen from within the Moon's umbra. The Moon appears to completely block the Sun's photosphere. More will occur. The lighter part of the shadow is called the penumbraThe part of a shadow (as of the Moon or the Earth) within which the source of light (the Sun) is only partially blocked. Also, the lighter outer area of a sunspot. More. From locations within the penumbraThe part of a shadow (as of the Moon or the Earth) within which the source of light (the Sun) is only partially blocked. Also, the lighter outer area of a sunspot. More the Sun is only partially hidden and from these locations there will be a partial solar eclipseA solar eclipse seen from within the Moon's penumbra. The Moon appears to block part (but not all) of the Sun's photosphere. More, as the Sun will only be partly obscured. The period during which an eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More is total is called totalityThe period during a solar eclipse when the Sun's photosphere is completely covered by the Moon and the period for a lunar eclipse when the Moon is in the complete shadow of the Earth. More.
As the Moon orbits the Earth and the Earth rotates, the Moon’s shadow moves across the Earth’s surface from west to east, with the umbraA complete shadow (as of the Moon or the Earth) within which the source of light (the Sun) is totally hidden from view. Also, the dark inner area of a sunspot. More tracing out a narrow path called the path of totalityThe path (up to about 270 km wide) that the Moon's shadow traces on the Earth during a total solar eclipse. More. For any location in the path of the totalityThe period during a solar eclipse when the Sun's photosphere is completely covered by the Moon and the period for a lunar eclipse when the Moon is in the complete shadow of the Earth. More, the Moon will firstly appear to gradually cover the Sun in the partial phase of the eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More. As the umbraA complete shadow (as of the Moon or the Earth) within which the source of light (the Sun) is totally hidden from view. Also, the dark inner area of a sunspot. More arrives at that location, the Sun will be completely covered and there will be a total solar eclipseA solar eclipse seen from within the Moon's umbra. The Moon appears to completely block the Sun's photosphere. More. As the umbraA complete shadow (as of the Moon or the Earth) within which the source of light (the Sun) is totally hidden from view. Also, the dark inner area of a sunspot. More moves on, the Moon from that location will appear to gradually uncover the Sun in the final partial phase of the eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More.
The 14 November 2012 Eclipse Path of Totality
The path of totalityThe path (up to about 270 km wide) that the Moon's shadow traces on the Earth during a total solar eclipse. More for the eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More of 14 November 2012 is shown in the diagrams below. The path starts at sunrise in the Northern Territory east of Darwin and then travels across the Gulf of Carpentaria and across Cape York. Here the path is about 140km wide and the Moon’s shadow will be traveling at about 15,000 kilometres per hour. It crosses the east coast of Cape York in the Cairns and Port Douglas region. The umbraA complete shadow (as of the Moon or the Earth) within which the source of light (the Sun) is totally hidden from view. Also, the dark inner area of a sunspot. More then passes out over the South Pacific Ocean traveling to the north of New Zealand, making no further landfall until it ends at sunset just short of South America.
The Partial Eclipse
At any point on the Earth’s surface outside the path of totalityThe path (up to about 270 km wide) that the Moon's shadow traces on the Earth during a total solar eclipse. More but crossed by the penumbraThe part of a shadow (as of the Moon or the Earth) within which the source of light (the Sun) is only partially blocked. Also, the lighter outer area of a sunspot. More, the Moon will only partly cover the Sun, reaching a point of maximum coverage and then uncover the Sun. So this point will have only a partial solar eclipseA solar eclipse seen from within the Moon's penumbra. The Moon appears to block part (but not all) of the Sun's photosphere. More. A partial solar eclipseA solar eclipse seen from within the Moon's penumbra. The Moon appears to block part (but not all) of the Sun's photosphere. More will be experienced over the whole of Australia.
The map at above right shows the path of totalityThe path (up to about 270 km wide) that the Moon's shadow traces on the Earth during a total solar eclipse. More across north Queensland and also shows how the partial eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More will appear at maximum coverage of the Sun at locations outside the path of totalityThe path (up to about 270 km wide) that the Moon's shadow traces on the Earth during a total solar eclipse. More. The magnitude(of a solar eclipse) The fraction of the apparent diameter of the Sun covered by the Moon. By convention it is usually quoted at maximum phase. More of the eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More (maximum coverage of the Sun’s diameter) depends mainly on the distance of the location from the path of totalityThe path (up to about 270 km wide) that the Moon's shadow traces on the Earth during a total solar eclipse. More.
The table below lists the times of the partial eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More, the eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More magnitude(of a solar eclipse) The fraction of the apparent diameter of the Sun covered by the Moon. By convention it is usually quoted at maximum phase. More and elevation of the Sun at locations across Queensland.
| Location |
Start Partial h:m am |
Time of max eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More h:m (am) |
Magnitude(of a solar eclipse) The fraction of the apparent diameter of the Sun covered by the Moon. By convention it is usually quoted at maximum phase. More (max cover of Sun’s diameter) |
End Partial h:m (am) |
Sun Elevation (at max) |
| Brisbane |
5:56 |
6:54 |
83% |
7:59 |
26º |
| Bundaberg |
5:53 |
6:51 |
89% |
7:55 |
24º |
| Charleville |
5:56 |
6:51 |
78% |
7:51 |
19º |
| Charters Towers |
5:48 |
6:43 |
94% |
7:44 |
16º |
| Cooktown |
5:44 |
6:38 |
99% |
7:38 |
13º |
| Coolangatta |
5:57 |
6:56 |
82% |
8:00 |
27º |
| Dalby |
5:56 |
6:53 |
82% |
7:57 |
24º |
| Gladstone |
5:51 |
6:49 |
90% |
7:53 |
23º |
| Gympie |
5:55 |
6:52 |
86% |
7:57 |
25º |
| Ipswich |
5:57 |
6:54 |
83% |
7:59 |
26º |
| Longreach |
5:52 |
6:47 |
83% |
7:46 |
16º |
| Mackay |
5:48 |
6:45 |
94% |
7:48 |
19º |
| Maryborough |
5:54 |
6:52 |
88% |
7:56 |
25º |
| Mount Isa |
5:51* |
6:43 |
85% |
7:41 |
10º |
| Noosa |
5:55 |
6:53 |
86% |
7:58 |
26º |
| Rockhampton |
5:51 |
6:48 |
90% |
7:52 |
22º |
| Roma |
5:56 |
6:52 |
81% |
7:53 |
22º |
| Toowoomba |
5:57 |
6:54 |
82% |
7:58 |
25º |
| Townsville |
5:47 |
6:42 |
96% |
7:44 |
16º |
| Tully |
5:46 |
6:41 |
99% |
7:42 |
15º |
| Weipa |
5:42* |
6:35 |
95% |
7:34 |
8º |
(* = before sunrise)
During a partial solar eclipseA solar eclipse seen from within the Moon's penumbra. The Moon appears to block part (but not all) of the Sun's photosphere. More the light level will drop to an extent dependent on the magnitude(of a solar eclipse) The fraction of the apparent diameter of the Sun covered by the Moon. By convention it is usually quoted at maximum phase. More of the eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More. Because our eyes are very good at compensating for varying light levels, this will often go unnoticed unless the Sun is reduced to a very thin crescentThe phase of the Moon when it appears to be less than half illuminated, or something of similar shape such as the Sun during a partial solar eclipse. More.
During these partial phases, images of the crescentThe phase of the Moon when it appears to be less than half illuminated, or something of similar shape such as the Sun during a partial solar eclipse. More shape of the Sun can be seen projected under trees on the ground or onto adjacent walls, as the gaps between leaves act as pinhole projectors. Interesting crescentThe phase of the Moon when it appears to be less than half illuminated, or something of similar shape such as the Sun during a partial solar eclipse. More shapes can be seen using items with one or more holes in them such as a kitchen colander or a loosely woven straw hat. Shadows become unnatural as the crescentThe phase of the Moon when it appears to be less than half illuminated, or something of similar shape such as the Sun during a partial solar eclipse. More Sun becomes thin, being very sharp in one direction and blurry at right angles. This is easy to see by observing the shadow of both hands with the fingers on one hand orientated at right angles to the fingers on the other hand.
Never look directly at a partial solar eclipse without suitable eye protection or permanent eye damage may result. Refer to the safe viewing advice towards the botton of this page.
The Total Solar Eclipse
From within the path of totalityThe path (up to about 270 km wide) that the Moon's shadow traces on the Earth during a total solar eclipse. More, the eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More begins with partial phases as the Moon gradually covers the Sun over a period of about an hour. As totalityThe period during a solar eclipse when the Sun's photosphere is completely covered by the Moon and the period for a lunar eclipse when the Moon is in the complete shadow of the Earth. More approaches, the Sun is reduced to a thin crescentThe phase of the Moon when it appears to be less than half illuminated, or something of similar shape such as the Sun during a partial solar eclipse. More, the light begins to fade and an ominous darkening of the sky (the Moon’s shadow) approaches silently from the west. The temperature can drop significantly. In the final minute or so the sky darkens dramatically, just like switching from day to night. In the final few seconds before totalityThe period during a solar eclipse when the Sun's photosphere is completely covered by the Moon and the period for a lunar eclipse when the Moon is in the complete shadow of the Earth. More, the last brilliant parts of the Sun’s surface shine through valleys around the edge of the Moon in a shimmering display called Baily’s beadsThe effect seen just before and just after totality when only a few points of sunlight are visible through valleys around the edge of the Moon. More. Finally the beads are reduced to a single point and the Sun looks like a dazzling diamond ringThe effect seen in the few seconds just before and just after totality of a total solar eclipse when there is a single point of sunlight brilliantly shining through a valley on the limb of the Moon. More. As the last bright point winks out, the Sun’s pink upper surface called the chromosphereThe lower atmosphere of the Sun just above the photosphere that appears as a thin crimson ring around the edge of the Sun during a total solar eclipse. More can be seen in an arc around the edge of the Moon and usually prominences which are small pink loops of plasma extending above the chromosphereThe lower atmosphere of the Sun just above the photosphere that appears as a thin crimson ring around the edge of the Sun during a total solar eclipse. More, are visible. The onrushing darkness arrives and envelops observers and the whole sky becomes dark in a surreal twilight. The Moon appears as a black disk in the sky surrounded by the pearly white coronaThe upper atmosphere of the Sun that appears as a halo around the Sun during a total solar eclipse. More, the Sun’s outer atmosphere composed of ionised gas. The coronaThe upper atmosphere of the Sun that appears as a halo around the Sun during a total solar eclipse. More curves out from the Sun, usually in a pattern formed by the Sun’s magnetic field. Bright stars and planets can be seen. There is a glowing light around the horizon which has a sunset colour caused by the scattering of different wavelengths of light in the atmosphere
At the end of totalityThe period during a solar eclipse when the Sun's photosphere is completely covered by the Moon and the period for a lunar eclipse when the Moon is in the complete shadow of the Earth. More the sequence is reversed, with prominences, chromosphereThe lower atmosphere of the Sun just above the photosphere that appears as a thin crimson ring around the edge of the Sun during a total solar eclipse. More, diamond ringThe effect seen in the few seconds just before and just after totality of a total solar eclipse when there is a single point of sunlight brilliantly shining through a valley on the limb of the Moon. More and Baily’s beadsThe effect seen just before and just after totality when only a few points of sunlight are visible through valleys around the edge of the Moon. More again being visible. The Moon then gradually uncovers the Sun, taking about an hour until the final partial phase is over.
It is the dramatic change from daylight to night, the ominous black darkening approaching from the west, the chill in the air and the disappearance of the Sun in an otherwise normal day that so terrorised ancient peoples. Even today, when we understand what is happening it is still a spine tingling and awe inspiring event.
The map to the right shows the path of totalityThe path (up to about 270 km wide) that the Moon's shadow traces on the Earth during a total solar eclipse. More on the east coast of Cape York and the approximate duration of totalityThe period during a solar eclipse when the Sun's photosphere is completely covered by the Moon and the period for a lunar eclipse when the Moon is in the complete shadow of the Earth. More over the width of the path. At the time of the total eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More, the Sun will be a little south of due east and about 13 degrees above the horizon on the east coast and about 9 degrees above the horizon on the west coast. A good view low down to the east will be essential to see the eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More. It is a good idea to check the position of the Sun in the days before the eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More at the same time as the eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More from your location. A low horizon will also help in being able to see the approaching Moon’s shadow and the all round sunset colours. As long as the weather is clear on eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More morning, any of the beaches from Cairns north to Wonga Beach (a few kilometers north of Port Douglas) should provide a view of the eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More. If there is cloud along the coast a location further inland may be clearer.
To observe the total solar eclipseA solar eclipse seen from within the Moon's umbra. The Moon appears to completely block the Sun's photosphere. More you must be in the path of totalityThe path (up to about 270 km wide) that the Moon's shadow traces on the Earth during a total solar eclipse. More. The total eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More will be seen from the major centres of Cairns, Atherton, Mareeba, Mossman Port Douglas and the northern part of Innisfail. The exact time of the start of the total eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More will depend on the location. Locations closer to the centerline of the shadow path will have a longer eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More. The total eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More duration will also increase towards the east coast. The maximum duration on the Australian mainland is about 2 minutes and 4 seconds near the point where the centre of the path crosses the east coast near Oak Beach just south of Port Douglas.
If you live outside the path of totalityThe path (up to about 270 km wide) that the Moon's shadow traces on the Earth during a total solar eclipse. More, it will certainly be worth travelling to see the eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More. From locations outside the path of totalityThe path (up to about 270 km wide) that the Moon's shadow traces on the Earth during a total solar eclipse. More, even if just outside, only a partial eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More will be visible. Because the change in light level between normal Sun and a total eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More is about a million to one, even if the Sun is covered 99% the sky will still be about 10,000 times brighter than the total eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More and none of the dramatic effects of totalityThe period during a solar eclipse when the Sun's photosphere is completely covered by the Moon and the period for a lunar eclipse when the Moon is in the complete shadow of the Earth. More can be seen. The towns of Dimbulah and Malanda and the southern part of Innisfail are outside the path of totalityThe path (up to about 270 km wide) that the Moon's shadow traces on the Earth during a total solar eclipse. More.
The table below lists the timing details for various locations.
| Location |
Start Partial h:m (am) 1st contactOne of the instances when the apparent position of the edges of the Sun and the Moon (for eclipses) and the Sun and a planet (for transits) cross one another during an eclipse or transit. They are designated as first, second, third and fourth contact. More |
Start TotalityThe period during a solar eclipse when the Sun's photosphere is completely covered by the Moon and the period for a lunar eclipse when the Moon is in the complete shadow of the Earth. More h:m:s (am) 2nd contactOne of the instances when the apparent position of the edges of the Sun and the Moon (for eclipses) and the Sun and a planet (for transits) cross one another during an eclipse or transit. They are designated as first, second, third and fourth contact. More |
Duration of TotalityThe period during a solar eclipse when the Sun's photosphere is completely covered by the Moon and the period for a lunar eclipse when the Moon is in the complete shadow of the Earth. More min:secs |
End Partial h:m (am) 4th contactOne of the instances when the apparent position of the edges of the Sun and the Moon (for eclipses) and the Sun and a planet (for transits) cross one another during an eclipse or transit. They are designated as first, second, third and fourth contact. More |
Sun Elevation (at total) |
| Atherton |
5:45 |
6:39:43 |
29s |
7:41 |
14º |
| Babinda |
5:45 |
6:39:23 |
1m 19s |
7:41 |
14º |
| Cairns CBD |
5:45 |
6:38:36 |
1m 58s |
7:40 |
14º |
| Daintree |
5:44 |
6:37:53 |
1m 55s |
7:39 |
13º |
| Gordonvale |
5:45 |
6:38:52 |
1m 47s |
7:41 |
14º |
| Innisfail CBD |
5:45 |
6:40:10 |
19s |
7:41 |
15º |
| Kuranda |
5:45 |
6:38:28 |
1m 59s |
7:40 |
14º |
| Kowanyama |
5:45* |
6:37:08 |
1m 35s |
7:37 |
10º |
| Lakeland |
5:44 |
6:37:40 |
1m 30s |
7:39 |
13º |
| Laura |
5:44* |
6:37:33 |
57s |
7:38 |
12º |
| Mareeba |
5:45 |
6:38:45 |
1m 41s |
7:40 |
14º |
| Mossman |
5:44 |
6:38:01 |
2m 03s |
7:40 |
13º |
| Mount Molloy |
5:45 |
6:38:17 |
1m 59s |
7:40 |
14º |
| Palm Cove |
5:45 |
6:38:21 |
2m 02s |
7:40 |
14º |
| Pormpuraaw |
5:44* |
6:36:26 |
1m 54s |
7:36 |
9º |
| Port Douglas |
5:44 |
6:38:03 |
2m 03s |
7:40 |
14º |
| Wujal Wujal |
5:44 |
6:37:55 |
1m 07s |
7:39 |
13º |
| Yarrabah |
5:45 |
6:38:34 |
2m 00s |
7:40 |
14º |
(* = before sunrise)
Never look directly at the partial phases of a total solar eclipse without suitable eye protection or permanent eye damage may result. Refer to the safe viewing advice towards the botton of this page.
Stars and planets during the eclipse
During the total part of the eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More the sky becomes so dark that some planets and the brightest stars usually become visible. At the time of the eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More, the planets Venus and Saturn will be higher in the sky than the Sun, while Mercury will be between the Sun and the horizon. These planets and the Sun with the Moon will form a line. This is because all the planets are in approximately the same plane as they orbit the Sun. During a total solar eclipseA solar eclipse seen from within the Moon's umbra. The Moon appears to completely block the Sun's photosphere. More is the only time that this can be seen in this way. It may be possible to see the bright stars Sirius and Canopus as well as the stars of the Southern Cross.
How to View the Eclipse Safely
Never look directly at the bright surface of the Sun without suitable eye protection or permanent eye damage may result. It is never safe to look directly at a partial solar eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More or the partial phases of a total solar eclipseA solar eclipse seen from within the Moon's umbra. The Moon appears to completely block the Sun's photosphere. More without the proper equipment and techniques. Even when 99% of the Sun’s surface (the photosphereThe bright, visible surface of the Sun. More) is obscured during the partial phases of a solar eclipseThe passage of the new moon directly between the Sun and the Earth when the Moon's shadow is cast upon the Earth. The Sun appears in the sky either partially or totally covered by the Moon. More, the remaining crescentThe phase of the Moon when it appears to be less than half illuminated, or something of similar shape such as the Sun during a partial solar eclipse. More Sun is still intense enough to cause a retinal burn, even though illumination levels may be comparable to twilight. Failure to use proper observing methods may result in permanent eye damage and severe visual loss.
Safe viewing techniques must be used for the partial eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More that will occur across Queensland and for the partial phases that precede and follow the total eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More.
The Queensland Government has issued the following advice on how to safely view the eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More.
1. Never look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection. It is possible to suffer serious and permanent eye damage by looking at a solar eclipseThe passage of the new moon directly between the Sun and the Earth when the Moon's shadow is cast upon the Earth. The Sun appears in the sky either partially or totally covered by the Moon. More the wrong way, even for a very short time.
2. Always use solar eclipseThe passage of the new moon directly between the Sun and the Earth when the Moon's shadow is cast upon the Earth. The Sun appears in the sky either partially or totally covered by the Moon. More glasses, or filters that have been made specifically to attach to hand-held glasses, telescopes or binoculars for safe solar eclipseThe passage of the new moon directly between the Sun and the Earth when the Moon's shadow is cast upon the Earth. The Sun appears in the sky either partially or totally covered by the Moon. More viewing.
3. Look for filters that have been appropriately certified against the European Standard for personal eye equipment (EN 1836:2005+A1:2007) or the Australian Standard for welding shields and goggles with a lens category higher than 12 (AS/NZS 1338.2:1992 & AS/NZS 1338.1:1992).
4. Before using solar eclipseThe passage of the new moon directly between the Sun and the Earth when the Moon's shadow is cast upon the Earth. The Sun appears in the sky either partially or totally covered by the Moon. More glasses or filters, check to see if they are scratched or damaged. If so, do not use them as they will not fully protect your eyes.
5. Do not use solar eclipseThe passage of the new moon directly between the Sun and the Earth when the Moon's shadow is cast upon the Earth. The Sun appears in the sky either partially or totally covered by the Moon. More glasses or filters that do not show compliance with the Standards listed above – they may do you more harm than good.
6. Do not look directly through binoculars, telescopes or camera optical viewfinders. It is not safe to use regular sunglasses, exposed film or x-ray film to view a solar eclipseThe passage of the new moon directly between the Sun and the Earth when the Moon's shadow is cast upon the Earth. The Sun appears in the sky either partially or totally covered by the Moon. More.
7. Alternative safe viewing methods include using pinhole, binocular or telescope projection. Visit http://sunearthday.nasa.gov/2012/transit/viewing.php for details on how to do this safely. For information on filters for telescopes or binoculars visit http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEhelp/safety2.html.
This advice is available on the following Queensland government website: http://www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au/safe-viewing-of-astronomical-events.htm.
A pinhole projector can be made using two pieces of card, one with a small hole in it. Stand with your back to the Sun and project an image of the Sun through the hole in the card onto the other card. Do NOT look at the Sun through the hole in the card.
Images of the eclipsed Sun can also be seen under trees with the gaps in the leaves acting as pinholes. A loosely woven straw hat also works well.
The NASA solar eclipseThe passage of the new moon directly between the Sun and the Earth when the Moon's shadow is cast upon the Earth. The Sun appears in the sky either partially or totally covered by the Moon. More website also has information describing how to view a solar eclipseThe passage of the new moon directly between the Sun and the Earth when the Moon's shadow is cast upon the Earth. The Sun appears in the sky either partially or totally covered by the Moon. More safely. They advise that “the total phase of an eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More can and should be viewed without any filters whatsoever. The naked eye view of totalityThe period during a solar eclipse when the Sun's photosphere is completely covered by the Moon and the period for a lunar eclipse when the Moon is in the complete shadow of the Earth. More is not only completely safe, it is truly and overwhelmingly awe-inspiring!” See http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEhelp/safety2.html for the full text.
So, if you are in the path of totalityThe path (up to about 270 km wide) that the Moon's shadow traces on the Earth during a total solar eclipse. More (and you must be certain of this) you must remove your filter (eg eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More glasses) in order to see the total part of the eclipseThe alignment of celestial bodies so that one is obscured, either partially or totally, by the other. More, but you must keep the filter on until the Sun is no longer visible (even the tiniest part) and it goes very dark; and you must look away or replace the filter immediately any part of the Sun reappears.