Where Can I Get Solar Eclipse Viewing Glasses?

There is one unbreakable rule when viewing a solar eclipse: Never look directly at the sun during any phase of the eclipse without proper eye protection. Without protection, your eyesight could be permanently damaged.

THE IMPORTANCE OF EYE PROTECTION

The sun emits intense radiation, including harmful ultraviolet rays, which can cause severe damage to the eyes. During a solar eclipse, there is a temptation to glance at the sun. However, even during partial phases, the sun’s brightness remains strong enough to cause irreversible harm to unprotected eyes.

APPROVED SOLAR VIEWING GLASSES

To safely observe a solar eclipse, it is essential to use approved solar viewing glasses. These specialized glasses are equipped with solar filters that significantly reduce the intensity of sunlight, making it safe to look directly at the sun.

Regular sunglasses do not provide enough protection against the sun’s harmful rays and should never be used as a substitute for solar viewing glasses.

WHERE CAN I FIND APPROVED GLASSES?

Many libraries are giving away free solar eclipse viewing glasses. Check out this map from the Space Science Institute or call your local library to see if it’s distributing glasses.

Local schools, science museums and astronomy clubs could also be a good source of eclipse glasses.

If you choose to purchase glasses, the American Astronomical Society provides a list of approved suppliers that you can be confident are safe.

Be careful buying glasses from online sources that may not be reliable. You can use this handy quiz to determine if your solar eclipse glasses are safe.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT GLASSES

When selecting solar viewing glasses, ensure they meet the necessary safety standards. Look for glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard for direct viewing of the sun. These glasses are rigorously tested to ensure they offer sufficient protection against harmful solar radiation.

ARE MY OLDER ECLIPSE GLASSES STILL SAFE?

Solar eclipse glasses from 2017 or 2023 are still safe to use, as long as the lenses are not scratched, bent or damaged. At one time, experts said that eclipse glasses should only be used for three years, but the American Astronomical Society now says they are safe indefinitely.

Remember, do not use any eclipse glasses that are damaged because they will not provide adequate protection.

PROPER WEARING OF GLASSES

To effectively protect your eyesight during a solar eclipse, follow these guidelines for using solar viewing glasses:

• Put on the glasses before looking at the sun. Wear them whenever you’re looking at the sun during all phases of the eclipse.

• Make sure the glasses fit securely and comfortably over your eyes.

• Do not attempt to view the sun through unfiltered cameras, telescopes, binoculars, or other optical devices without the appropriate solar filters.

• Supervise others, especially children, to ensure they use solar viewing glasses correctly and do not attempt to view the sun without protection.

Watching a solar eclipse is an amazing experience, but it’s essential to keep your eyes safe while doing it. Remember, never look directly at the sun without special glasses made for solar viewing.