As the eclipse starts, the Mechanist advises the invading army to put on their eclipse goggles. They are similar in design to Inuit snow goggles, which reduce glare and prevent snow blindness.
Although looking at a solar eclipse directly is dangerous and requires wearing special eyewear, the army is not looking at the eclipse. They're trying to fight the disables fire benders while they're disabled. Since during a total solar eclipse the ambient light is similar to nightfall, wearing eyewear that reduces vision would be totally illogical.
Although looking at a solar eclipse directly is dangerous and requires wearing special eyewear, the army is not looking at the eclipse. They're trying to fight the disables fire benders while they're disabled. Since during a total solar eclipse the ambient light is similar to nightfall, wearing eyewear that reduces vision would be totally illogical.