Here’s what time the eclipse will occur, where it can be seen, and what you need to know about viewing it if you happen to be in an area where the solar eclipse of August 12 will be visible. Safety Tips for Viewing the Solar Eclipse TodaySafety when viewing a solar eclipse is always of key importance. When viewing a solar eclipse, always be sure that you are wearing certified eclipse glasses or that you use a handheld solar viewer to prevent permanent damage to your vision. What if the Solar Eclipse Can’t Be Seen Where You Are? If you won’t be able to see the August 12 solar eclipse, there will still be opportunities to see eclipses in the near future.