The competition is organised by the Education Committee of the Royal Astronomical Society. A solar eclipse can be observed safely by following the DOs and DON'Ts. The safest way to view the sun is indirectly by projecting an image of the sun. You may view the sun directly only through special filters made for safe solar viewing. Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Check filters carefully for any damage.
4. DO NOT use filters if they are scuffed, scratched or have holes in them. DO NOT view the sun through sunglasses, or filters made of photographic film, photographic filters, crossed polarisers, gelatin filters, compact disks, or smoked glass. DO make sure that children are supervised at all times. BUT DO be alert to the reappearance of the sun's brilliant disc at the end of the total phase. As soon as the first light of the sun has reappeared, producing a spectacular 'diamond ring,' you MUST look away immediately and use the special filters once more.