How to safely watch the total solar eclipse

NEW JERSEY -- When viewing the solar eclipse, you must protect your eyes before totality and afterwards. Looking directly at the sun is very harmful to your eyes.

Cell phone cameras are everywhere, but there are some dangers. Combine that with news about fake solar glasses being sold on a popular website, and average sky watchers are feeling on edge.

While some solar glasses meet all safety standards and proper labeling, its still hard to know if you have the right spectacles to watch the solar eclipse. Cameras also need protection to photograph the celestial event, with extended lenses and filters over the front and viewfinder.

RELATED: How to take a solar eclipse picture with your smartphone

Anthony Johnson has more on how to safely watch each phase of the August 21 total solar eclipse. Check out his report in the video player above.