Eclipse experts recommend picking up your eclipse glasses now — before it’s too late.
These relatively inexpensive professional observers allow you to view the Sun safely and are critical for viewing the highly anticipated celestial event on April 8, 2024, when the Moon gradually eclipses our star. Only during the roughly three to four minutes of totality, when the moon completely blocks the sun, can you view a total solar eclipse event without glasses.
But most importantly, you need to make sure you’re buying approved eclipse glasses from an honest seller. Fortunately, the American Astronomical Society (AAS) rigorously vets products and sellers so you can make an informed purchasing decision.
“Get them now—they’re going to be scarce,” Richard Fienberg, an astronomer and senior advisor to the American Astronomical Society, told Mashable.
“But don’t just order randomly online,” Feberg stresses. “Check AAS list.”
When a solar eclipse happens, you’ll see these glowing planets
When the last total solar eclipse hit the United States in 2017, online marketplaces like Amazon were flooded with eclipse glasses. It’s unclear how some products are tested. And it’s hard to know where some glasses are made.
“No one knew if their stuff was safe,” Fiberg recalled.
“Get them now—they’re going to be scarce.”
Any solar eclipse glasses must meet international safety standards for viewing the sun, which is “ISO 12312-2“However, just because someone prints it as compliant doesn’t mean it actually is.
“We used to say you should look for evidence that they comply with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard for filters used for direct viewing of the sun,” the AAS explains online. “But in the weeks leading up to the ‘Great American’ total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017, the market was flooded with counterfeit eclipse glasses that were labeled as ISO compliant when in fact they had not been properly tested and proven to be safe. ”
Mix and match speed of light
The good news is that many sellers and products are trustworthy. The AAS has compiled a Supplier of safe solar filters and observers Reference to make sure you are purchasing legal eclipse glasses.
The path of the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.
Image source: NASA Scientific Visualization Studio
Where to buy solar eclipse glasses
this AAS audit seller list is a reference that provides two important levels of scrutiny: ensuring that the product meets ISO safety standards (test results are confirmed) and that the seller is not deceptive. For example, an online seller may claim that a product is made in the United States when it is not. Or, a seller may claim that their product is “NASA approved” — but NASA does not promote or approve commercial products.
“We will not associate with anyone who makes false claims,” Feiberg stressed. “Not only are we confident these products are safe, but we are happy to be associated with these companies because they follow good business practices.”
To date, Fiberg has witnessed an astonishing 14 total solar eclipses (soon to be 15), and he’s done many of these reviews himself. He ensures that sellers are actually selling products received from approved manufacturers. “I don’t believe what any one company is saying,” he explained. “I have also contacted the manufacturer.”
The composite image shows the progress of a total solar eclipse from partial to total and then to partial.
Image credit: NASA/Aubrey Gemignani
The AAS list primarily recommends North American companies. That’s because the 2024 total solar eclipse is moving across a large swath of North America (Mexico, the United States, and Canada), and astronomy organizations don’t want this list to become too long and overwhelming. supply– And also need to review — For someone who just wants to see which legitimate sellers are out there, 100 choices won’t do them much good.
For example, last week I used the AAS Eclipse Eyewear Vendor List to review sellers on Amazon. I found the name in 10 seconds, double-checked my purchase, and ended up with 10 reviewed eclipse glasses to share with my space-interested family and friends.
What to do if you can’t find your solar eclipse glasses
As April 8 approaches, demand for eclipse glasses will surge as supply dwindles. Only about 31 million people live in the path of totality (pictured above), and many more will travel to view the event. It is passing through some major cities in the United States.
“Suppliers are going to run out,” Fiberg said. “The supply is not unlimited.”
“The supply is not unlimited.”
So it’s wise to put on some eclipse glasses while you have the chance. But if you’re too late, the good news is you can share.After all, glasses are for seeing things part of Part of a solar eclipse when the moon gradually moves in front of or away from the sun. Each session lasts just over an hour. The glasses can be used to look up every few minutes and observe the movements of celestial bodies from our perch on Earth.
“Not everyone has to wear eclipse glasses,” Fiberg said.
But you don’t want to join a group that doesn’t have anyone in it.
If you are interested in the latest solar eclipse glasses Deals from vetted sellers, Mashable has compiled a list of these products here.