A total solar eclipse on August 12 is set to be visible to millions of people across parts of Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain and Portugal. The event is expected to draw major attention from skywatchers eager to see one of astronomy’s most dramatic sights.

For people looking up August 12 eclipse eye safety, the central message is clear: protecting your eyes is essential when watching the sun. The excitement of a total solar eclipse can make it tempting to focus only on the spectacle, but safe viewing is a key part of any eclipse plan.

The regions in the eclipse path span the North Atlantic and parts of Europe and Russia, giving many viewers a chance to witness the phenomenon close to home or while traveling. Interest is likely to be especially high in places such as Iceland, Spain and Portugal, where the eclipse could become a major public event.

As August 12 approaches, eclipse preparation will be about more than finding the best viewing spot. People hoping to enjoy the celestial event should also make sure they understand how to watch it without putting their vision at risk, turning a rare astronomical moment into a safe one as well.