Without protective gear, looking directly at an eclipse can cause serious damage or scarring to the eyes. “Solar retinopathy is a photochemical injury to your retina,” Dr. Nicole Bajic, a surgical ophthalmologist at the Cleveland Clinic, previously told TIME via email.

Well at least partially. The total lunar eclipse known as the "blood moon" amazed Americans last night as the moon and the sun were on exact opposite sides of Earth. And while another total lunar eclipse won't occur until next year,

The countdown for the year's first (and only) total lunar eclipse begins. The celestial event, which will see the moon change to rusty red hues, will occur in the U.S. on the night of March 13-14.