Solar eclipse glasses.Photo:George Frey/Getty
George Frey/Getty
It’s time to add another pair of sunglasses to your collection!
However, this particular pair isn’t for fashion purposes — rather, it’s for protection when viewing the upcoming totalsolar eclipsethat’s expected to take place in April 2024.
Think back to the last time a total solar eclipse was visible from the United States in April 2017, whenNASAadvised onlookers to watch the astronomical phenomenon with specialized eye protection. This year is no different!
The space agency recommends protective eye gear for those hoping to catch a glimpse of this highly-anticipated event, particularly for the phases before and after totality (which is when the moon completely blocks the sun’s bright face).
Even without an astronomical event that causes people to gaze directly at the sun,doctors advise people wear a good pair of shadesin bright weather; that’s because, asNASAwarns, viewing “any part” of the sun “without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics” will “instantly cause severe eye injury.”
It’s important to note, however, that the protective eyewear the agency suggests using to watch the solar eclipse is not the same as regular sunglasses. Plus, they shouldn’t be used when viewing through cameras, binoculars or telescopes.
Read on for what you need to know about the NASA-recommended glasses to watch the 2024 solar eclipse, including when and where to buy them.
What is a solar eclipse?
Solar eclipse viewed from China in January 2010.STR/AFP via Getty
STR/AFP via Getty
A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, according toNASA. The moon enters different phases during an eclipse.
At just the right moment, a total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes over the sun and blocks out its bright light completely. Other times a partial solar eclipse takes place, when the moon only covers part of the sun’s glow.
A total solar eclipse is quite a spectacle to experience if the astronomical phenomenon is visible from your location on Earth. The April 2024 solar eclipse, which will be visible in the U.S., is expected to take place midday, causing daytime darkness for a few minutes as a result.
“If you want to experience total darkness during an eclipse, you have to be in the path of totality,” reports NASA. “If you don’t know what’s happening, it can be confusing. Animals can get confused too!”
When is the solar eclipse in 2024?
The upcoming solar eclipse is Monday, April 8, 2024. Exact timing depends on where viewers are located in North America, where the phenomenon will pass after it begins over the South Pacific ocean.
“Weather permitting, the first location in continental North America that will experience totality is Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT,” perNASA. Next, it will enter the U.S. in Texas.
Then, it travels through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, as well as small parts of Michigan and Tennessee. (Those interested in experiencing the complete solar eclipse shouldlook up exactly where in their state is within the path of totality; many well-situated towns are hosting events to celebrate!)
After it makes its way over the U.S., the eclipse will enter Canada. Itwill exit continental North Americaon the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NDT.
What are solar eclipse glasses?
A couple with solar eclipse glasses view the solar eclipse from Utah in October 2023.George Frey/Getty
“Solar eclipse glasses use lenses that are made of black polymer, a flexible resin infused with carbon particles,“according to the Planetary Society’s website. “They are about 100,000 times darker than ordinary sunglasses and block nearly all visible light as well as all infrared and ultraviolet light.”
Eclipse glasses aren’t the only form of protective eyewear onlookers are suggested to use. Handheld solar viewers are another option if you can’t snag a pair of glasses.
NASAstates that it “does not approve any particular brand of solar viewers.” (The American Astronomy Society does have a list of reputable vendors on their own site.) However, NASA emphasizes that people hoping to look right at the sun must be wearing a pair, as regular shades “are not safe for viewing the sun” during the eclipse.
Do solar eclipse glasses have to be worn?
NASA offers anindirect viewing method, which does not involve looking directly at the sun. Usinga pinhole projector, for example, is one way onlookers can experience the eclipse.
There is also a brief window of totality (when the moon completely covers the sun) when NASA notes the eclipse is viewable “without proper eye protection.” The only safe time is when you can “no longer see any part of the sun through eclipse glasses or a solar viewer.”
Where and when to buy solar eclipse glasses?
A couple watches the solar eclipse with protective eyewear from El Salvador in October 2023.APHOTOGRAFIA/Getty
APHOTOGRAFIA/Getty
So what exactly are you looking for to ensure you are buying the correct type of glasses?
“Safe solar viewers are thousands of times darker and ought to comply with theISO 12312-2international standard,” according to NASA.
The space agency links to aresource pagewith vetted companies that manufacture and sell safe solar viewers and filters for binoculars and telescopes; according to NASA, these sellers have “demonstrated” that the products they’re selling “meet the safety requirements” of the above standard.
The resource page does not recommend searching for eclipse glasses on Amazon, eBay, Temu or any other online marketplace and buying from whichever vendor offers the lowest price. Before making an online purchase, make sure the seller is “identified on the [NASA] site.”
As for when you should buy your solar eclipse glasses,Forbessuggests purchasing them now. This is because demand for the product will only increase as April 8 draws closer, which will likely increase prices as a result.
source: people.com
