Yes, you’ll need them to safely view the total solar eclipse on April 8.
Eclipses are a immense and middling rarefied deal for space enthusiast , and in a matter of days , you ’ll be able-bodied to witness the most extra one of them all — namely thetotal solar occultation , which is on pat for April 8 , 2024 .
disregarding of where you have decide to watch it — whether it’son a cruisein the center of the Gulf of Mexico , ona flight above the cloud , oralong the way of totalityon land — there is one crucial facet you should n’t underestimate , and it has to do with having the correct equipment to enjoy the experience .
Forget about fancy telescope and all that . What you should really be focusing on is making sure you get yourself a serious , shape , and good pair of solar occultation glasses or filter . watch the occultation with a naked center isa strong no - no , and it can potentially badly and for good injure your eyes , so you ’d better be thrifty !
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How to know if your eclipse glasses are legit
If you do n’t really know what to look for , do n’t stress — we’ve have you covered . The American Astronomical Society ( AAS ) offer a comprehensive list of reputable manufacturer you’re able to and should trust when purchasing your occultation glasses , and you’re able to ascertain itright here . It takes into account not only the presence of the International Organization for Standardization ( ISO ) logo — which , consort to the AAS , is n’t enough any longer due to counterfeit products — but also vet data from the raise company to ensure the sellers listed are legit and secure .
There are also some tips you may survey to examine the goggles for base hit yourself . According to the AAS , you should n’t be able to see anything through a respectable dyad of occultation glasses or filters except the genuine Dominicus ( or something that is as hopeful as the sunshine , like its reflection in a mirror ) . If you are able to see dimmer light , you ’re probably well off without those Methedrine and you should get a new pair .
Also , definitely do n’t trust everything you show on mathematical product verbal description ! As the AAS point out , in the past times , some eclipse glass sellers hosted even on the most reputable sites — include Amazon and eBay — list products that were n’t by rights test , and some of them claim to be approved or endorsed by NASA , which is not dependable , deliberate NASAdoes not approve or plump for product . If you settle to buy from internet site like Amazon or eBay , make certain the vender is both name on the land site and lean on the AAS trafficker list .
Where to buy solar eclipse glasses
One significant affair to note is that , while there are pot of occultation glasses uncommitted , you should plan on securing a couple ASAP . According to a recent study by einsteinium - commerce acceleratorPattern , the price of dependable solar occultation glasses had already go up 27 % online since the last " gang of fire " eclipse in October . And prices were await to increase more the closer the eclipse gets . The same field of study , in fact , projected that price would go up by another 4 % the week before the entire solar occultation .
To help oneself you in your quest for the best duet of occultation field glass , we put together a modest selection of unspoilt ones you may easy corrupt , though you ’ll require to be sure you select a rush shipping pick that will get them to you in meter for the eclipse . you may check them out below .
Lunt Solar SystemsYou can purchase a gang of five Lunt Solar Systems eclipse glassesfor $ 25.95 on Amazonright now , or you may head over toits websitewhere you may get them for the same price . And as an added bonus , they also pop the question child size .
Eclipse for a CauseFor orotund glasses bundles , you may considerEclipse for a Cause ’s occultation glasses , which are primarily targeted to schools and territorial dominion . Not only does the company betray large amount ( up to 3,000 - pack pile ! ) for pretty cheap , but it also offers a very valid initiative . For every pair of glasses purchase , it donates a yoke .
SolunaSoluna ’s occultation glasses are wide available on Amazon , and you could buy them for a good price . On Amazon , they retail for $ 29.99 for a 10 - pack as of this piece of writing , and they come with a pretty cool intention as well . instead , you may also buy them on thecompany ’s website .
uranology for EquityIn gain to offer AAS - approved occultation chicken feed , Astronomy for Equity also supports a beneficial lawsuit . The tie-up work to promote STEM education programs in marginalized , isolated , and underserved communities , and it does so through uranology as well . grant toAstronomy for Equity ’s website , it is no longer accepting order for eclipse glasses this yr , but you may still learn more about its mission and how you may brook it going forrad .
To take a look at other options , you may scroll through the intact list of AAS - approved vendors , which you may happen onthis website .
A NASA Scientist’s Tips for Solar Eclipse Viewing
We got Dr. Michael Kirk’s expert advice ahead of the April 8 total eclipse.
Where to get free solar eclipse glasses
If you ’re appear for a more cost - effective ( AKA free ! ) option for eclipse glasses , or are worried your purchase order might not arrive in time , there are several options for operate down free eclipse glasses .
First , manypublic libraries throughout the countryare distribute costless solar eclipse glass , thanks to a partnership with the Space Science Institute comprise five million eclipse eyeglasses available from 10,000 US library . you may seean interactive map of participating program library here , but you may want to check with your library to confirm if they still have any usable before going there .
Additionally , many retailer are offering free eclipse glasses ahead of April 8 . Here are a few of them :
