If you're planning to gaze upon the upcoming Great American Eclipse in April through run-of-the-mill sunglasses, you're doing it wrong. In the face of the sun's powerful rays, regular specs made of cheap plastic and polycarbonate material just aren't going to cut it. That's why astronomers and other experts emphasize that skygazers intent on viewing the upcoming total solar eclipse do so with specialized eyewear crafted to protect their sensitive retinas from permanent damage.
Solar eclipse glasses are readily available from plenty of vendors across the internet. Just make sure you get certified spectacles before the eclipse cuts a long path on April 8 across North America, shrouding much of the U.S. in darkness.
The sun's powerful rays can burn the eyes and damage the retinas of those who don't wear proper eye protection or take other safety precautions to view solar eclipses. Even viewing any part of the bright sun through camera lenses, binoculars, and telescopes without a specialized solar filter could instantly cause severe eye injury, according to the American Astronomical Society.
Unlike other solar eclipses, a total eclipse offers spectators a chance to gaze upon the spectacular sight with the naked eye after the orbiting moon completely blocks out the sun's light, leaving only the outermost layer visible. But until that moment, spectators will need proper eyewear just like they would for any other eclipse.
NASA advises skygazers to plan accordingly and ensure they have the safe, and simple, equipment needed for solar viewing. Certified eyewear is held to an international safety standard and is 100,000 times darker to block nearly all visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light. Often made with a polyester film coated in aluminum, the glasses are highly specialized but also ridiculously common and easy to find.
As the eclipse approaches, many places like local libraries, astronomical observatories, schools, and other public agencies will provide proper eyewear, often for free. Many eclipse websites and online retailers sell solar eclipse glasses in bulk, ensuring a hassle-free delivery.
There are plenty of fakes and imitators out there, so make sure you're buying a proper certified pair. The American Astronomical Society maintains a curated list of approved vendors, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
For those looking for alternative viewing methods, creating a pinhole projector or using telescopes and binoculars to project the sun onto a surface are viable options. These methods provide safe ways to view the eclipse without risking eye damage.
As the excitement builds for the upcoming total solar eclipse, it's crucial to prioritize eye safety and use proper viewing equipment to fully enjoy this rare celestial event.
