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Before you break out that old welder’s headgear, here’s what you need to know.
AUSTIN, Texas — If you forgot to buy glasses for the total solar eclipse in Texas, you can still make an eclipse viewer using things around the house.
But if that’s too much of a hassle, you may wonder if welding helmets or goggles can keep your eyes safe during the eclipse.
While ISO-certified eclipse glasses and handled solar viewers are still the safest way to watch the eclipse, we looked into other options.
Is it safe to wear welding gear during a total solar eclipse?
The answer is simple. Most welding headgear is not strong enough to protect your eyes during a total solar eclipse.
According to NASA, welders’ glass must have a high enough number to view peer at the sun safely. Anything with a Shade of 12 or higher works, because those are much darker than the filters used for most kinds of welding.
Before you break out that old welder’s helmet, make sure you know the filter’s shade number. NASA suggests that if it’s less than 12, which it probably is, people should not even consider looking directly at the sun.
If you have a Shade 14, NASA says some find that it dims the sun too much. Shade 13 filters are also uncommon and hard to find.
The American Astronomical Society (AAS) Reputable Vendors of Solar Filters and Viewers page doesn’t list any suppliers of welder’s filters, only those that supply special-purpose filters made to view the sun.
If you need more information from the AAS on appropriate eyewear and handheld viewers, visit their website.
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