Solar Eclipse 2024: Where To Get Free Glasses & Where To Buy
The 2024 total solar eclipse is almost here, and those who want to watch the rare astronomical phenomenon need to get a pair of solar eclipse glasses.
On Monday, the 2024 total solar eclipse will be visible across parts of the U.S., Mexico and Canada, including certain areas in states such as Texas, Ohio and New York.
A partial eclipse will be seen across almost the entire North American continent, according to Live Science.
The exact time the 2024 solar eclipse will be visible varies depending on the state and time zone. Search a zip code or city in this viewing guide by USA Today to find out what time it occurs in a certain area.
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Watching the upcoming solar eclipse, which will be the last visible one in North America until 2033, with the naked eye or using normal sunglasses can cause serious eye damage.
According to NASA, the partial eclipse phases before and after totality can be safely viewed only through handheld solar viewers or solar eclipse glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.
People can also view the solar eclipse indirectly using other items such as a kitchen colander and pinhole camera, among others.
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To know whether or not glasses can be used for a solar eclipse, they need to be approved as safe by the American Astronomical Society (AAS), which tests and evaluates them based on the international safety standard.
These eyeglases are equipped with a special-purpose solar filter that protects the eyes while viewing the sun directly.
Those who want to catch the rare sight can get eyewear specially designed for observing a solar eclipse from government organizations and private businesses before Monday's sky event.
(Photo : Getty Images/Dave Kotinsky)
Here's where to get free glasses for the solar eclipse, courtesy of CNBC and Timeout.
1. Public Libraries
Libraries across the country are giving away solar eclipse glasses. Check out this map from Star Net to find a library near you that is distributing these special eyewear.
2. Warby Parker Stores
People can also grab a pair of eclipse-approved glasses at any Warby Parker store. Find a retail location near you here.
3. New York Welcome Centers
Those in New York can get a pair of the free solar eclipse glasses being given out by the state at locations such as New York State Welcome Centers and Thruway Rest Stops.
4. Staten Island Museum
The Staten Island Museum in New York is also distributing free glasses to its visitors. Purchasing an admission ticket is required to get a free pair.
5. Sonic and Smoothie King Restaurants
Sonic is offering a free pair of eclipse glasses with every purchase of its Blackout Slush Float.
Smoothie King customers also get a free pair when they order its Eclipse Berry Blitz Smoothie. Check out the participating stores here.
(Photo : Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)
Here are some of the brands that offer approved solar eclipse glasses, according to the list published by the AAS.
1. American Paper Optics
American Paper Optics has various solar eclipse glasses designs to choose from on its website.
Among these are its North American eclipse glasses, which the company said are "independently tested and safe for all phases of the eclipse."
This weekend, the brand is offering a Special 25 Pack in which each pair is priced at $2.
2. Soluna
Another option is the Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses, which can be ordered on Amazon. A pack of two retails for $14.99.
3. Lunt Solar
Lunt Solar Premium Eclipse Glasses are also available on Amazon for $29.95 for a pack of five.
4. Land Sea & Sky
Get Land Sea & Sky Solar Eclipse Glasses for the entire family or friend group at $15.99 for a pack of five via its website.
