A total solar eclipse is hitting the skies on Monday, giving parts of the country the full view of “totality.” States with a view include parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, as well as smaller parts of Michigan and Tennessee.
A total solar eclipse happens when the moon momentarily blocks the sun’s face, resulting in a very cool yet very eerie darkness. It’s the same type of eclipse that happened in 2017; last year’s was only an annular eclipse.
Whether it’s a total solar eclipse or an annular eclipse, it’s important you know the safety rules and find the right eye protection if you plan on looking at an eclipse. Aside from the very short moment of darkness that is the total solar eclipse, the sun will be partially eclipsed this next week, making special eclipse glasses crucial if you plan to be outside or viewing the sky in any way.
Dr. Ronald Benner, president of the American Optometric Association, told us in October that unsafe viewing of a solar eclipse can cause solar retinopathy, which is a type of retinal damage he compared to sunburn on the “satellite dish of the eye.” Failing to wear proper eye protection will let in a dangerous amount of ultraviolet radiation and damage the macular tissue in the retina.
“Once it’s burned and scarred, it’s a bad thing,” Benner said.
Are you still in need of a pair of glasses? No problem — here’s how you can find a free pair near you. If that won’t work, keep reading for tips on ordering legitimate glasses that will ship to your order by the big day.
Read more: Last Solar Eclipse for 20 Years Is Coming: Here’s How to See It
The AAS specifically says not to shop around for glasses on sites like Amazon because fake or illegitimate glasses have been sold on the site. That being said, we’re including Amazon here because Soluna itself links directly to Amazon for purchase of its glasses. Soluna was identified as a safe manufacturer by the AAS. To see how fast they ship, look at the Amazon link provided by Soluna for the individual delivery options — you should be able to get them in time for Monday.
In addition to five-packs for $20, Soluna also sells two-packs for $17, 10-packs for $30 and 50-packs for $90.
