Safeguarding Your Vision: A Guide to Choosing the Right Solar Eclipse Glasses

Politics, News Sept. 21, 2023, 9:15 a.m.

Prepare for the upcoming "ring of fire" solar eclipse on October 14th. Safeguard your eyes with proper solar eclipse glasses, and trust vetted suppliers for authenticity.

Are you ready for the upcoming "ring of fire" solar eclipse on Saturday, October 14th? As the world's only dedicated "eclipse journalist," I'm here to provide you with the latest updates, travel tips, and lodging options for this celestial event. Be sure to hit the big blue "follow" button above or check my main feed for daily articles to stay informed.

It's time to start thinking about purchasing your solar eclipse glasses. On October 14th, a spectacular solar eclipse will be visible across the United States. Within a 125-mile-wide path spanning nine southwestern states, lucky observers will witness a rare "ring of fire" as the moon passes in front of the sun.

Now, when it comes to safety, there's no room for compromise. Regardless of where you are located within the eclipse's path, everyone must use proper solar eclipse glasses to protect their eyes. This high demand means that a shortage of these protective glasses is imminent.

Let me provide you with all the essential information you need about solar eclipse glasses and where to secure them before it's too late:

Local Viewing Events and Museums: If you plan to attend an organized solar eclipse viewing event or visit a major science museum, you can almost certainly find solar eclipse glasses available for purchase. Keep an eye out for any of the following reputable manufacturers' names on the glasses:American Paper OpticsRainbow SymphonyThousand Oaks OpticalBaaderProducts bearing the names of these companies meet stringent safety regulations and can be trusted.

American Paper Optics

Rainbow Symphony

Thousand Oaks Optical

Baader

Products bearing the names of these companies meet stringent safety regulations and can be trusted.

Online Purchases: If you prefer to buy your solar eclipse glasses online, don't hastily type "solar eclipse glasses" into a search engine and choose the first vendor you see. Instead, select from the vetted list of "Suppliers of Safe Solar Filters & Viewers" on the American Astronomical Society's website. All products offered by these vendors, resellers, and distributors comply with the crucial ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.According to Dr. Ralph Chou, the world's foremost expert on eclipse eye safety, "It's easy to find a lot of third-party products online." Dr. Chou advises that if you stumble upon a very cheap pair from a small supplier without any of the approved labels mentioned above, it's likely a product from an anonymous Chinese company. Remember, back in 2017, Amazon ceased selling solar eclipse glasses due to counterfeit products, many of which were imported from China and falsely labeled as ISO-compliant. Stick to one of the trusted "Suppliers of Safe Solar Filters & Viewers," and you'll avoid such issues.

According to Dr. Ralph Chou, the world's foremost expert on eclipse eye safety, "It's easy to find a lot of third-party products online." Dr. Chou advises that if you stumble upon a very cheap pair from a small supplier without any of the approved labels mentioned above, it's likely a product from an anonymous Chinese company. Remember, back in 2017, Amazon ceased selling solar eclipse glasses due to counterfeit products, many of which were imported from China and falsely labeled as ISO-compliant. Stick to one of the trusted "Suppliers of Safe Solar Filters & Viewers," and you'll avoid such issues.

Price Matters: Authentic, safe solar eclipse glasses typically cost around $5 per pair. While prices may increase slightly as the eclipse approaches due to market demand, be cautious if you encounter prices significantly higher or lower than this range. Dr. Chou emphasizes, "If you're paying more than $5, it's extortionate, and if you're paying much less than that, it's probably a different product."

Avoid Random Retailers: Never search for "solar eclipse glasses" on the internet and purchase from random retailers that appear in search results. Instead, rely on the provided links on the "Suppliers of Safe Solar Filters & Viewers" page to ensure your safety.

Furthermore, thanks to the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation-funded Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries (SEAL) project, five million pairs of solar-viewing glasses are being distributed for free to 10,000 libraries. Check out the interactive map to find a library near you offering solar eclipse glasses.

Remember, you don't need to buy solar eclipse glasses for everyone in your group. Sharing is caring! These glasses are designed for quick, safe glimpses of the eclipse, allowing you to take them off and resume your activities until you want to view the eclipse again. Dr. Chou advises, "They're not intended to be worn for a long period of time." After all, staring at the sun for an extended period could result in a literal pain in the neck.

As the editor of WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com and the author of "The Complete Guide To The Great North American Eclipse of April 8, 2024," I'm dedicated to providing you with the most up-to-date information on eclipses. I wish you clear skies and wide eyes as you prepare for this breathtaking celestial event.