Where to Get Eclipse Glasses: Ensure Safe Viewing and Contribute to a Sustainable Future

Solar eclipses are breathtaking celestial events, drawing awe and wonder from millions worldwide. However, witnessing these events safely requires proper eye protection. Looking directly at the sun, even during a partial eclipse, can cause serious and permanent eye damage. This is where eclipse glasses come in, acting as essential tools for safe solar observation. But Where To Get Eclipse Glasses and what happens to them after the eclipse?

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about acquiring eclipse glasses, ensuring you’re prepared for the next solar event while also highlighting a fantastic initiative to recycle and reuse these vital safety tools for future astronomical enthusiasts.

People vetting solar glasses after 2017 eclipse

Understanding the Importance of Safe Solar Viewing

Direct sunlight, even when partially obscured by the moon during an eclipse, emits intense rays that can harm your eyes. The danger comes from both visible light and invisible ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation. This radiation can burn the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye, leading to a condition called solar retinopathy. Solar retinopathy can cause temporary or permanent vision damage, including blind spots, distorted vision, and decreased sharpness of vision.

Regular sunglasses are not safe for looking directly at the sun. They only reduce the intensity of visible light, but not the harmful UV and IR radiation. Eclipse glasses, on the other hand, are designed to filter out almost all visible, UV, and IR light, making direct solar viewing safe.

What to Look for in Safe Eclipse Glasses

When searching for where to get eclipse glasses, it’s crucial to ensure they meet international safety standards. Here’s what to look for:

• ISO 12312-2 Certification: This is the most important factor. Safe eclipse glasses will be compliant with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. This certification ensures the glasses block out 99.999% of intense visible light and harmful UV and IR radiation. Look for this ISO reference printed on the glasses themselves.
• Reputable Suppliers: Purchase your eclipse glasses from reputable sources. Avoid buying from street vendors or unverified online marketplaces, as counterfeit glasses that do not provide adequate protection are a risk.
• Inspect for Damage: Before using, always inspect your eclipse glasses for scratches, punctures, or tears. If the lenses are damaged, discard them and use a new pair. The lenses should also be securely mounted in their frames.

Where Can You Purchase New Eclipse Glasses?

Finding where to get eclipse glasses is easier than you might think. Here are several reliable places to purchase them:

• Science Museums and Planetariums: Many science museums, planetariums, and observatories sell certified eclipse glasses in their gift shops, especially leading up to a solar eclipse. These are often reliable sources.
• Astronomy Clubs and Organizations: Local astronomy clubs and organizations, like Astronomers Without Borders, often distribute or sell eclipse glasses as part of their outreach programs.
• Educational Supply Stores: Stores that specialize in educational materials for schools and science projects may carry eclipse glasses.
• Online Retailers (with caution): Large online retailers may sell eclipse glasses, but it’s vital to verify the seller’s credibility and check for ISO certification in product descriptions and reviews before purchasing. Look for established brands and retailers recommended by reputable astronomical organizations.
• Specialty Telescope and Optics Stores: Stores that sell telescopes and binoculars for astronomy are also likely to stock certified eclipse glasses.

Always double-check for the ISO 12312-2 certification, regardless of where you purchase your glasses.

Giving Back: Donating Your Eclipse Glasses for Reuse

After a solar eclipse, you might wonder what to do with your eclipse glasses. Instead of discarding them, consider donating them! Astronomers Without Borders (AWB) is an organization that collects used eclipse glasses to redistribute them to schools and communities in developing countries for future solar events. This initiative not only prevents waste but also provides educational resources to those who may not have access to them otherwise.

While AWB is currently not accepting new collection hubs due to the large volume of glasses already collected, they still rely on their existing network of collection partners to vet and store donated glasses.

People vetting solar glasses after 2017 eclipse

How the Eclipse Glasses Recycling Program Works

Donated eclipse glasses are carefully vetted to ensure they are still in good condition for reuse. The vetting process involves checking the lenses and frames for any damage:

• Lens Integrity: Inspect the lenses for punctures, scratches, bends, or any signs of damage that could compromise their protective capabilities.
• Frame Condition: Check the housing, whether plastic or cardboard, to ensure it is in good shape and securely holds the lenses.

Each pair of glasses is visually inspected, a process that takes about 30 seconds per pair. While seemingly simple, this step is crucial to guarantee the safety of the glasses for future users.

The vetted glasses are then stored until they are needed for upcoming solar eclipses. AWB works to distribute these glasses to communities around the world for safe solar viewing and educational purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eclipse Glasses Donation

What is the vetting process for the glasses?

You will need to examine both the lenses and the frames of the eclipse glasses. The lenses must be free of scratches, punctures, and bends. The frames, whether plastic or cardboard, should also be intact and in good condition. It’s a simple visual inspection process, taking approximately 30 seconds per pair of glasses.

How long will the glasses be stored?

Collection nodes are asked to store the glasses for a period ranging from a few months to several years. With only about two solar eclipses occurring each year, storage time can vary. AWB actively seeks opportunities to distribute the glasses throughout the year for solar observation and educational initiatives.

Who covers the shipping costs?

Astronomers Without Borders generally provides shipping funds for vetted glasses. Many beneficiary organizations also secure their own funding to cover shipping costs. Donors are also welcome to fund the shipping themselves, which can help expedite the distribution process.

How likely are these glasses to be reused?

The likelihood of reuse is very high. The main challenge is timing and the volume of vetted glasses available. Following the 2017 eclipse, millions of glasses were collected, vetted down to 300,000, and all were successfully distributed.

Does Astronomers Without Borders provide collection bins or signs?

Currently, AWB cannot provide physical resources like collection bins or signs. However, logos and resources may be available in their community member forum for those organizing local collections.

Is there a limit to the number of glasses that can be collected?

AWB does not set specific limits on the number of glasses collection nodes can gather. This is largely dependent on the resources of the collection node, including volunteer availability and storage space. Consider these factors when planning your collection efforts. A standard 18x12x6 inch cardboard box can hold approximately 2000 pairs of eclipse glasses.

Find a Collection Partner Near You

If you are looking for where to donate eclipse glasses, Astronomers Without Borders has established a network of collection partners across the United States and Canada. These partners are responsible for vetting and storing donated glasses.

Please note: This list may not be completely up-to-date, and it is advisable to contact the location before sending glasses to confirm they are still participating in the program.

For any inquiries regarding the collection process, please contact: [email protected]

If you wish to support this global program financially, you can donate to their fundraiser here: Donate to AWB

Note: AWB is a registered US 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

By ensuring you have safe eclipse glasses and considering donating them after use, you contribute to both safe science education and environmental sustainability. Enjoy the wonders of the cosmos responsibly!