A spectator looks skyward during a partial eclipse of the sun on August 21, 2017 at the Cradle of … [+]
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On Saturday, October 14, a solar eclipse will be visible across the U.S. and beyond, causing a high demand for solar eclipse glasses.
Solar eclipse glasses are simple to obtain. They are readily available online, and if you know where to buy them, you can ensure their safety.
Here is everything you need to know about purchasing safe solar eclipse glasses:
Who Makes Solar Protection Glasses
There are two manufacturers of solar protection glasses in the U.S.—American Paper Optics and Rainbow Symphony (with Thousand Oaks Optical). Baader Planetarium also produces solar projection materials in Europe, although they are not directly sold in the U.S. They are all equally effective and reliable.
How To Determine If Solar Eclipse Glasses Are Safe
Safe solar eclipse glasses must meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. They are sold directly to the public and through authorized distributors and resellers. The American Astronomical Society (AAS) provides a list of Suppliers of Safe Solar Filters & Viewers and offers guidance on how to recognize safe eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers.
Where To Purchase Safe Solar Eclipse Glasses
Dr. Rick Fienberg, Project Manager of the AAS Solar Eclipse Task Force, recommends looking at the AAS website for a list of suppliers of safe solar viewers in the eye safety section. If you purchase solar eclipse glasses from a local shop, check for the logos of the main manufacturers, such as American Paper Optics or Rainbow Symphony/Thousand Oaks Optical. Major science museums and local eclipse observing events are also good sources for safe solar eclipse glasses.
What To Do If Solar Eclipse Glasses Are Out of Stock
If there is a supply shortage in your area, don’t panic. Avoid making your own glasses, using sunglasses, or using welding glass unless it is Grade 13 or 14, which is difficult to verify. Instead, try to find someone who has a pair of glasses and share them. It is unnecessary to continuously view the sun during the eclipse; occasional glances are sufficient.
Tips for Avoiding Counterfeit Solar Protection Glasses
Price is an important factor. If the price seems unusually low, the glasses are likely not authentic. The typical retail price for solar eclipse glasses and viewers is around $5. Be cautious of significantly higher or lower prices. Be aware that prices often increase as a solar eclipse approaches and demand rises. Counterfeit glasses were a concern prior to the last total solar eclipse in the U.S., with Amazon banning all sales due to the importation of non-compliant and untested glasses from China.
What Solar Eclipse Glasses Actually Protect Against
Contrary to popular belief, solar eclipse glasses do not primarily protect against ultraviolet and infrared radiation. The main threat to your eyes is the short-wavelength bluish visible light. Solar eclipse glasses reduce this type of light, preventing photochemical reactions in your retina. However, it’s important to note that looking at the sun through binoculars or a telescope can cause irreversible damage to your retina and should be avoided.
How Solar Eclipse Glasses Are Manufactured
There are two common methods of manufacturing solar eclipse glasses. One involves passing polyester film over boiling aluminum to create an aluminum-coated polyester filter. The other method uses a dark polymer material infused with carbon black. These glasses differ in filter stiffness and the visual appearance of the sun. Aluminum-coated glasses transmit primarily short-wavelength light, whereas carbon black glasses absorb most short-wavelength light but allow longer wavelengths of yellow and red to pass through. When used as directed, both types of glasses are safe.
I am the editor of WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com and author of “The Complete Guide To The Great North American Eclipse of April 8, 2024.”
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
