Can You Use A Welding Helmet To View The Eclipse Safely?

SAN ANGELO, TX - Is it safe to wear welding gear during a total solar eclipse?

According to NASA, welders' glass must have a high enough shade number to 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 welding.

Before you break out that old welder's helmet, know the filter's shade number. 

NASA suggests that if it's less than 12, people should not consider looking directly at the sun.

If you have a shade of 14, NASA says some find it dims the sun too much. Shade 13 filters are preferable but are also uncommon. 

Here are some places in town that sell eclipse-viewing glasses.