Part of the U.S. is going to be treated to a total solar eclipse on Aug. 21.

But looking directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is unsafe and can damage the eyes.

The American Astronomical Society says that even homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses are not safe for looking at the sun -- as they transmit thousands of times too much sunlight. 

When looking directly at the sun, the American Astronomical Society recommends eclipse glasses and handheld solar viewers that have been verified by an accredited testing laboratory to meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard for such products.

Visit the American Astronomical Society website for a list of manufacturers and authorized dealers of eclipse glasses and handheld solar viewers.

In the tri-state area, we will experience a partial solar eclipse, beginning at 1:23 p.m.

At 2:44 p.m., at the height of the event, the moon will block out about 70 percent of the sun in New York City. The eclipse will be over by 4 p.m.