The Best Place to Buy Solar Eclipse Glasses for the 2024 Eclipse
Find out why it's important to have proper eyewear for the upcoming solar eclipse and where to buy safe glasses.
Why you need proper eyewear for the 2024 solar eclipse
While the Chicago area won't experience 100% totality during the 2024 solar eclipse, it's still important to have proper eyewear to view it.
Not wearing glasses while viewing a solar eclipse can result in irreversible eye damage within seconds, as the intense light from the sun includes infrared and ultraviolet light that can burn your eyes without you realizing it.
The American Astronomical Society recommends wearing solar eclipse glasses at all times during a solar eclipse to avoid eye damage, especially if you're not in the path of totality.
How to ensure the glasses you buy are safe
Detecting real glasses versus counterfeit ones can be challenging, as counterfeit glasses may appear fine but could still let through harmful ultraviolet and infrared light.
To ensure you're buying safe glasses, experts recommend purchasing from suppliers deemed safe by the American Astronomical Society, as their list includes companies that meet international safety requirements.
It's important not to rely on online marketplaces like Amazon or eBay for eclipse glasses, as they may not be reliable sources for safe eyewear.
What to do if you don't have glasses
If you don't have solar eclipse glasses, a safe option is to create a pinhole projector using materials like an index card and aluminum foil. This allows you to indirectly view an image of the eclipse without looking directly at the sun.
Using your phone to capture the eclipse can be damaging, so it's best to avoid pointing your phone directly at the sun. However, some companies offer filters or covers for phone camera lenses to safely capture the eclipse.
It's important to note that using solar glasses with a phone or camera lens can cause serious eye injury, so it's crucial to use proper filters if you choose to view the eclipse through these devices.
