Okay, folks. A bit of a reality check here. Yeah, you should cover your eyes by using special dark lenses for most of the eclipse in the path of totality. HOWEVER, for the brief time that it is a total eclipse (moon completely covering sun) it is okay to watch with naked eye. In fact, you will see much more detail and color that way than if you keep the dark glasses on. I know because I have seen a total eclipse. Here is a relevant quote from this ARTICLE:
"The only time you can look at the sun with your naked eye is A) if you're in the path of totality, where the sun will be completely covered by the moon, and B) during those two minutes or less when the sun is completely covered.
During those brief and geographically constrained moments, the brightness of the sun is reduced to that of a full moon, which can be viewed safely without anything over your eyes."
I’ve looked at the sun a lot over my years.. is it somehow different because of the moon obstruction?
We are a nation full of illiterates and barely literates. You are making distinctions that will elude or confuse a very large percentage of people.
I know a few in particular that didn’t even know the eclipse was happening until several days ago when my wife told them.
I’m in the 97% of totality band. At my age I’m always cautious with what remains of my vision (not too bad) and hearing (horrible).
“YOU WILL GO BLIND! BLIND! BLIND!!!!”
I thought young boys going blind was only from that “self abuse” thing in the Boy Scout handbook.