New York AG Warning On Fake Solar Glasses, Shady Reservation Practices

NEW YORK — New York's top law enforcement official is warning that the excitement over the upcoming solar eclipse is bringing out the worst in some, who are trying to make a quick buck while putting New Yorkers and visitors in peril.

With the total solar eclipse just days away, NY Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert on Wednesday, urging New Yorkers to make sure any solar viewing glasses they purchase are properly certified, and to report any issues with last-minute hotel cancellations to her office.

A large portion of the state, including Western New York, the Finger Lakes, and Central New York, will be within the total eclipse path on Monday, while other regions, including the Hudson Valley and the New York City metro area, will experience a partial solar eclipse.

"On April 8, millions of New Yorkers and visitors will have the opportunity to view a magnificent solar eclipse and they should do so safely by using properly certified glasses," James said. "There are serious risks associated with not using proper eyewear when looking directly at an eclipse, which is why everyone should follow guidance to ensure their solar eclipse glasses are legitimate and safe to use. Some areas of New York will see an influx of visitors, and I encourage any consumer who has experienced a last-minute hotel cancellation, price gouging, or any other service disruption to contact my office."

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recommends that anyone viewing the eclipse use certified solar viewing glasses because of the powerful energy emitted by the sun. Only legitimate solar eclipse glasses will have special-purpose filters for proper eye protection.

James urges New Yorkers planning to view the solar eclipse to take the following steps to ensure the solar eclipse glasses they are using are legitimate:

• Make sure the solar eclipse glasses are registered as a "Solar Viewer Brand" with the American Astronomical Society.
• Test the solar eclipse glasses ahead of time. The American Astronomical Society says that when wearing legitimate solar eclipse glasses indoors, objects should be barely visible, and when worn outdoors, except the sun’s reflection, items on shiny surfaces should be hard to see. 
• Make sure your glasses are marked with the international safety standard certification number ISO 12312-2 on the frame.
• If you already own glasses marked with the international safety standard certification, inspect them to make sure the filters aren't scratched, torn, loose, or damaged. If they are, replace the glasses with a new, certified pair.
• Read how to safely use handheld viewers on the American Astronomical Society’s website.
• Ordinary sunglasses cannot be used as a replacement for eclipse viewing glasses or handheld solar viewers.
• If viewing the eclipse through a camera or telescope, make sure the lens has a solar filter.
• Follow tips provided by NASA on how to safely photograph the solar eclipse.

The AG encourages New Yorkers to report any seller selling fake solar eclipse glasses to her office by filing a complaint here.

The state is giving away free I LOVE NY solar eclipse glasses that meet ISO certification standards at over 30 locations across the state while supplies last.  A full list of locations distributing the glasses, as well as other sources about the eclipse, are available here. Find more health and safety information, including tips for individual safety, here.

The AG's office has received several complaints of last-minute cancellations by hotels for reservations made months prior. James encourages anyone experiencing similar last-minute hotel cancellations to contact her office.