Are your solar eclipse glasses safe?

With the upcoming major solar eclipse on October 14th, it is crucial to prioritize eye safety while witnessing this celestial spectacle.

Solar eclipses are one of the most stunning astronomical events visible from Earth, but they require proper safety equipment to be observed without causing harm to our eyes!

The Importance of Proper Equipment:

Solar eclipse glasses are the most common and reliable way to safely view an eclipse. These glasses are equipped with lenses made of black polymer, a flexible resin infused with carbon particles, which are about 100,000 times darker than ordinary sunglasses. They block nearly all visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light, ensuring the safety of your eyes while you enjoy the view.

Certification and Standards:

When purchasing solar eclipse glasses, it is essential to ensure that they meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. This standard guarantees that the glasses not only reduce visible sunlight to safe and comfortable levels but also block harmful solar UV and IR radiation. However, the market is often flooded with counterfeit glasses claiming to be ISO-compliant.

To avoid falling victim to such products, it is recommended to purchase glasses from reputable manufacturers or authorized dealers listed by organizations such as the American Astronomical Society (AAS). Lucky for you, NovaLens is one of those authorized dealers!

Identifying Safe Solar Eclipse Glasses:

Safe solar eclipse glasses should be free from scratches, tears, or punctures, and the lenses should be securely attached to the frame. If you can see common household lights through the glasses, or if the sun appears uncomfortably bright or surrounded by a bright haze when viewed through them, the glasses are not safe. Always ensure that the glasses or viewers are in good condition before use.

Unsafe Alternatives:

Several materials are incorrectly suggested as safe alternatives for viewing solar eclipses, such as ordinary sunglasses, smoked glass, photographic or X-ray film, DVDs, and potato-chip bags. These materials are unsafe as they do not protect the eyes from damaging infrared and ultraviolet rays. The only safe alternative mentioned by NASA and the AAS are welder's glasses rated 14 or higher.

Enjoying Solar Eclipses Without Glasses:

If acquiring safe solar eclipse glasses is not an option, there are other ways to enjoy the event safely. Many communities organize star parties during eclipses, where you can view the event through telescopes fitted with safe solar lenses.

Additionally, indirect viewing methods, such as creating a pinhole projector or viewing the shadows created by a colander, are safe and enjoyable ways to experience an eclipse. During the totality phase of a total solar eclipse, when the moon completely blocks the sun, it is safe to view the eclipse directly, but this phase is brief, and caution is needed as soon as the sun begins to reappear.

Conclusion:

Solar eclipses are a marvel to witness, but safety should never be compromised. By choosing ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses from reputable sources, avoiding unsafe alternatives, and exploring other safe viewing options, you can ensure a spectacular and safe solar eclipse experience.

Buy Your Glasses Now!

Prepare for this celestial event by securing your CE and ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses from our store! Experience the beauty of the solar eclipse safely and vividly with our high-quality glasses.