Eclipse Glasses USA, a renowned organisation dedicated to promoting safety and knowledge regarding solar eclipses, is delighted to offer essential guidance on purchasing safe eclipse glasses for the upcoming solar eclipses in October 2023 and April 2024. These guidelines aim to protect your eyes while enjoying these extraordinary celestial events over the Western United States and Eastern United States, respectively. As astronomical enthusiasts eagerly anticipate these eclipses, prioritising eye safety is crucial to ensure a memorable and risk-free viewing experience.
While solar eclipses captivate with their beauty, it is important to remember that direct viewing of the Sun without proper eye protection can cause severe harm, including permanent vision loss.
Eclipse Glasses USA encourages individuals to adhere to the following guidelines when purchasing eclipse glasses:
- Seek Certified/Compliant Products: Verify that the eclipse glasses you purchase meet the international safety standard ISO 12312-2. These glasses are specifically designed to block harmful solar radiation and offer adequate protection for your eyes. Look for the ISO logo on the glasses or packaging.
Note: Claims of NASA certification should not be considered reliable, as NASA does not certify the safety of eclipse glasses. ISO compliance is the recommended standard.
- Trustworthy Vendors: Purchase eclipse glasses from reputable vendors. Avoid buying from unknown sources or unauthorised sellers, as their products may not meet safety standards. A list of verified and trustworthy vendors can be found on the American Astronomical Society’s (AAS) website.
- Verify Authenticity: Exercise caution with counterfeit or substandard eclipse glasses flooding the market. Verify the authenticity of the product by checking the manufacturer’s information, including their contact details and website.
Request a current ISO 12312-2 compliance test result. Some vendors may use outdated test results or results from uncertified labs. If uncertain, reach out to the manufacturer directly or consult Eclipse Glasses USA for assistance in verifying the authenticity of their products.
- Optical Density and Transmission Requirement: Ensure that the eclipse glasses have appropriate optical density to block harmful visible light, ultraviolet (UV), and infrared (IR) radiation. The glasses should have a luminosity rating of 0.000061% to 0.0032%. Legitimate testing results will include this transmission rating. Avoid purchasing from vendors that only provide a “pass” without quantitative test results.
Regular sunglasses or homemade filters are not sufficient for eye protection. Eclipse glasses or viewers that are ISO 12312-2 compliant provide adequate safeguarding against harmful visible light, UV, and infrared radiation from the Sun.
- Condition and Integrity: Thoroughly inspect the eclipse glasses for any signs of damage, scratches, or aging. Discard glasses with scratches, holes, or damaged filters, as they may compromise the safety of your eyes. It is essential to use eclipse glasses in pristine condition. Do not use glasses that are over 3 years old or have been stored in extreme temperatures.
- Follow Usage Instructions: Carefully read and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Pay attention to specific usage guidelines, such as recommended duration of use, and strictly adhere to them to prevent eye damage.
Roger Sarkis, owner of Eclipse Glasses USA and current university faculty member, emphasises the importance of timely preparation. “Don’t wait until the last minute to source your eclipse glasses. Make sure you order early and only from reputable vendors, allowing enough time to receive them before the October 2023 eclipse. This will be the last eclipse over the western US for 20 years. You don’t want to miss it by purchasing counterfeit products or waiting until they’re sold out.”
Eclipse Glasses USA encourages the public to raise awareness about the significance of eye safety during solar eclipses and to share these guidelines with friends, family, and communities, ensuring everyone can witness these awe-inspiring astronomical phenomena safely.
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