With one week left to the day before the big eclipse, there has been a very big concern out in the news this weekend. Lots of fake eclipse glasses.
Why is this a concern?
This is the first time that the American Astronomical Society (AAS) has announced that they have detected eclipse glasses labeled as SAFE eclipse glasses, meaning they carry the ISO label, which are actually not safe for your eyes. If you use them during an eclipse you could damage your eyesight or even become permanently blind.
The Planetary Society published an article back in September that is still valid. You can see it here. And there was a recent update on CNN (March 29, 2024) with references to both the Planetary Society and the American Astronomical Society (AAS), which the Planetary Society defers to. Please be aware of this current information. Test your glasses.
THE INDOORS TEST, #1: Wearing eclipse indoors should block out everything except for the very brightest of lights, which would appear only very, very faint. If you can see anything else indoors, your glasses are not safe. If your glasses pass the indoor test, take them outdoors.
THE OUTDOORS TEST, #2: On a sunny day outdoors, you still shouldn’t be able to see anything through these glasses except perhaps the Sun’s reflection off a shiny surface or puddle, and it should be faint.
The OUTDOORS TEST, #3: If your glasses pass that test, try glancing at the Sun through your glasses for less than a second. You should see a “sharp-edged, round disk (the Sun’s visible “face”) that’s comfortably bright.” (AAS.org).
Please read the additional information, warning, and guidelines for protecting your eyes during an eclipse. Just because your glasses have an ISO label on them no longer means they are safe.
