ISO 12312-2:2015
2015-06
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ISO 12312-2:2015
What is ISO 12312-2?
ISO 12312-2 is the International Standard for filters used to view the Sun directly, including solar eclipse viewing glasses and other afocal, or plano-power, solar viewing products.
It applies specifically to products intended for direct observation of the Sun. This distinguishes them from ordinary sunglasses, prescription sunglasses, sports eyewear and protective eyewear designed for artificial light sources.
ISO 12312-2 forms part of the ISO 12312 series on sunglasses and related eyewear. It provides a common technical basis for solar viewing filters intended to protect the eyes when observing the Sun directly. Test methods for sunglasses and related eyewear are referenced through ISO 12311.
The distinction is particularly important for solar eclipses. Ordinary sunglasses, regardless of how dark they appear, are not suitable for direct solar viewing. NASA advises using safe solar viewers that comply with ISO 12312-2 when directly viewing the partial phases of a solar eclipse.
Why is ISO 12312-2 important?
Looking directly at the Sun without appropriate eye protection can injure the retina. This can result in solar retinopathy, a form of retinal damage that can cause lasting changes to vision.
ISO 12312-2 addresses the specialized filters intended for this unusually demanding type of viewing. Solar viewing filters need to be treated differently from conventional sunglasses because ordinary sunglasses do not provide adequate protection for direct observation of the Sun.
The standard is therefore particularly relevant to manufacturers, suppliers, testing organizations and other parties involved in solar eclipse glasses and handheld solar viewers. It creates a recognized reference point for products specifically intended for direct solar observation.
Its relevance is especially clear ahead of major astronomical events. The next solar eclipse is a total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026, with totality visible from locations including Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and a small part of Portugal. A partial eclipse will be visible across a much wider area, including much of Europe and parts of Africa and North America.
FAQ
The next solar eclipse is on 12 August 2026. It will be a total solar eclipse, with totality visible from Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and a small area of Portugal. A partial eclipse will be visible across a much larger region.
ISO 12312-2 is directly relevant to products such as eclipse glasses and handheld solar viewers intended for observing the Sun during events like this.
During the partial phases of a solar eclipse, direct viewing requires safe solar viewing glasses or an appropriate handheld solar viewer. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient, even if their lenses are very dark. NASA advises that safe solar viewers should comply with the ISO 12312-2 International Standard.
Solar viewers should also be checked for damage before use. Direct viewing through cameras, telescopes or binoculars requires specialized solar filters designed for those optical systems, rather than ordinary eclipse glasses.
“Eclipse blindness” is an informal term commonly associated with solar retinopathy, retinal injury caused by looking directly at the Sun without appropriate protection. The retina does not have pain receptors, so retinal damage may occur without immediate pain.
Possible solar retinopathy can affect central vision, and some damage may be permanent. Anyone concerned about their vision after looking at the Sun should seek assessment from an eye-care professional.
No. ISO 12312-2 specifically covers afocal products intended for direct observation of the Sun.
Its scope excludes sunglasses and clip-ons for general protection against solar radiation, eyewear for artificial light sources, sports eye protectors, medically prescribed sunglasses and prescription sunglass lenses. General-use sunglasses are therefore not interchangeable with solar viewing filters intended for eclipse observation.
Informaciones generales
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Estado: PublicadoFecha de publicación: 2015-06Etapa: Norma Internacional para revisar [90.92]
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Edición: 1Número de páginas: 11
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Comité Técnico :ISO/TC 94/SC 6ICS :13.340.20
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En desarrolloISO/FDIS 12312-2
