As science-lovers everywhere prepare for the April 8 solar eclipse, stories about how to safely view the astronomical event have emerged. NASA, which issued a safety guide for viewing the solar eclipse, advises following strict criteria for eclipse eyewear to avoid damaging your vision. But because high demand has led to many retailers selling out of the proper eyewear, many people are wondering where to get solar eclipse glasses.
Luckily, the American Astronomical Society has made it easy to buy solar eclipse glasses near you. Thanks to the AAS’s guide to reputable vendors and suppliers, you can shop safely leading up to the solar phenomenon. In addition to thousands of libraries and event centers offering free NASA-approved eclipse glasses nationwide, you can also find approved eyewear at several common retailers, including:
- Walmart
- Cracker Barrel
- Kroger
- Menards
- Buc-ee’s
- Wegmans
- Warby Parker
- 7 Eleven
- Staples
- Lowes
- Meijer
In the event that your local retailer (or any of the other vendors listed on the AAS guide) is sold out, you can also look online. Here’s where to get solar eclipse glasses online:
Lunt Solar Systems Premium Solar Eclipse Glasses ($20 for a pack of five)
Jaxy Optical Instruments Solar Eclipse Glasses ($20 for a pack of five)
American Paper Optics Solar Eclipse Glasses ($17 for a pack of two)
Shenzhen Shihui Tongda Technology Solar Eclipse Glasses ($31 for a pack of three)
If you do not have eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer, NASA advises that you do not look directly at the sun. However, you can practice the indirect solar viewing method by “passing sunlight through a small opening (for example, a hole punched in an index card) and project a solar image onto a nearby surface (for example, another card, a wall, or the ground),” according to NASA’s website.
If you’re not in an optimum viewing location or prefer to see the action indoors, there will also be a free live stream available on NASA’s website.
For more information on how to keep your eyes safe during the eclipse, refer to NASA’s guidelines here, then get excited for the next solar eclipse on Oct. 2.
– Additional reporting by Taylor Andrews
Brinton Parker is a former PS assistant editor of trending and viral features
Taylor Andrews is a Balance editor at POPSUGAR who specializes in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, and more. In her six years working in editorial, she’s written about how semen is digested, why sex aftercare is the move, and how the overturn of Roe killed situationships.
