Seasonal & Holidays
Get Your NASA-Approved Solar Eclipse Glasses Before It's Too Late
Don't fall for the fakes.
On Aug. 21, millions of Americans will have the chance to see a solar eclipse. But if you don't snag the proper eyewear now, you won't be one of them. Time to get shopping, people.
During a solar eclipse, the moon passes between the sun and the Earth and blocks either all or some part of the sun (depending on where you're seeing it from). It's a rare, awe-inspiring sight, but you do need to be smart about how you view it.
As NASA explains, you never want to look directly at the sun without appropriate eye protection. The only exception to this rule is during totality — the moment when the moon is completely blocking the sun. If you're viewing the eclipse before or after this short-lived phase, you need to wear a pair of NASA-approved solar eclipse glasses.
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In order to be certified as safe for use, the special shades need to be something called ISO 12312-2-compliant. If they're not (and there are unfortunately plenty of fakes out there), wearing them will not protect your eyes from the potentially damaging effects of the sun.
Eye Protection Is Critical For Viewing The Solar Eclipse
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Now, we know that Aug. 21 seems like an eternity from now, but if you want your own safe-to-use solar eclipse glasses by then, there's no time to waste. The ISO 12312-2-compliant/NASA-approved shades are selling out fast. Many of them are already back ordered, but if you act quickly, you can still place your order to get them delivered just in time for the main event.
Lunt Solar Eclipse Glasses (5-pack)
ISO- and CE-certified. Also, pretty cool looking.
American Paper Optics Eclipse Glasses (10-pack)
Also ISO and CE-certified. Plus. with 10 pairs, you'll be able to share with your friends, too.
Other NASA-approved solar eclipse glasses may be available from American Paper Optics, Celestron and Thousand Oaks Optical. If in doubt, make sure they're ISO 12312-2-compliant and check out NASA's list of reputable retailers.
All prices and savings listed in this post are as of publication and could change. Patch may earn a commission on some purchased items.
Photo Credit: All images via Amazon
