Don't get scammed—here's where to buy real solar eclipse glasses
Safely enjoy today's solar eclipse with these verified eclipse glasses.
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The highly-anticipated solar eclipse is happening today, April 8 and because of this, many shoppers are scrambling to find last-minute eclipse glasses. These glasses will be necessary for safely watching most of the eclipse. While the moon will eventually completely cover or “eclipse” the sun, a portion of the sun will still be visible for most of the eclipse’s duration, meaning that proper protection will be necessary to view it.
With the demand for glasses growing, it’s possible that fake glasses may crop up on online storefronts from shady brands looking to make a quick buck. While there have been no reports by experts of fake glasses this year, it will be helpful to know how to spot the difference between counterfeits and genuine glasses just in case.
How to buy real solar eclipse glasses
The most surefire way to know if your glasses are genuine or not is to refer to the official eclipse glasses seller and manufacturers list from the American Astronomical Society (AAS). The AAS communicates directly with manufacturers, who need to have their glasses’ safety verified at two top U.S. testing labs to get a spot on the list.
If you’re still not sure, NASA has shared a test you can do at home—while wearing eclipse glasses, look at a bright light such as a flashlight. If the light is very dim or doesn’t appear at all, the glasses are safe. When looking at a bulb, you should only be able to see the filament of the bulb and not the glow of the bulb.
Where to buy solar eclipse glasses
The AAS list named several retail chains that stock safety-compliant eclipse glasses, including Walmart, Lowe’s, and Staples.
If you’re buying from an online marketplace such as Amazon, instead of buying whatever’s cheapest, the AAS recommends making sure that the pair of eclipse glasses you’re buying is part of its approved list of manufacturers/sellers.
View the eclipse with these approved glasses at Amazon.
Lowe's carries AAS-approved glasses for the solar eclipse.
Gear up for the April 8 solar eclipse with these NASA-approved eclipse glasses from Walmart.
When is the 2024 solar eclipse?
The 2024 total solar eclipse will take place today, Monday, April 8.
What time is the 2024 solar eclipse?
What time the eclipse begins and ends will vary based on your time zone. The earliest it will begin is at 12:23 PM Central Time in Dallas, Texas, while the latest it ends is 4:40 PM Eastern Daylight Time in Caribou, Maine.
Where can I see the 2024 solar eclipse?
You’ll be able to see the eclipse across a stretch of Eastern and Central United States. Some major cities it will pass over include Dallas, Little Rock, Cleveland, and Buffalo.
Can I look at the solar eclipse?
You’ll only be able to safely view a solar eclipse during totality, which refers to the period in which the moon completely covers the sun, leaving only its corona visible. Before and after this point, in which the sun’s surface is still visible, normal rules for viewing the sun apply. Namely, don’t do it unless you have specialized glasses.
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