Staring at an eclipse without adequate eye protection can cause retina damage and severe eye injury — you’ll need solar eclipse viewing glasses to observe it safely. On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross over parts of Mexico, the United States and Canada. According to The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), this celestial phenomenon happens when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth. As the moon completely blocks the face of the sun, an unnatural darkness occurs. Weather permitting, those in the path of the eclipse will catch a glimpse of the sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, which is not usually viewable due to the brightness of the sun.
The upcoming eclipse will pass through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Even if you live outside of its path, you’ll still get to see a partial solar eclipse, which should be viewable throughout the country if the weather is clear.
A number of U.S. retailers and entities, including Warby Parker, MyEyeDr., Smoothie King and Sonic Drive-In are giving away these glasses for free. You’ll want to act fast while supplies last; some sources, such as the Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries initiative, are no longer available. If you're having trouble scoring free glasses, you should still be able to buy some online that’ll arrive in time for viewing.
Shop this article: Lunt Solar Systems 10-Pack Premium, Solar Eclipse Glasses, Lunt Solar Systems 4-Pack Junior Size Eclipse Glasses and Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses 2-Pack
While solar eclipses come around every one to two years, this one is projected to be a once-in-a-lifetime event. Nicola Fox, associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, said the upcoming solar eclipse will be "the most accessible eclipse this nation has experienced in this generation."
The sun will be at maximum activity for this eclipse, resulting in a brighter corona. There’s also a higher likelihood of eclipse viewers seeing prominences, which look like loops or bright pink curls coming off of the sun. The moon is also set to be bigger than it was for previous eclipses, meaning the darkness will last longer. The eclipse will pass North America in a 115-mile journey, double that of the last total solar eclipse in 2017. This puts over 31 million Americans in its path.
Check to see whether the brand in question is on this list of vendors approved by the American Astronomical Society. Additionally, viewing glasses with an ISO label indicate that the retailer vouches for the quality and safety of its products.
This eyewear company is offering two pairs of ISO-certified eclipse glasses per family from April 1 to 8. If there are no Warby Parker locations near you or there are no more free glasses left, the brand also provides a downloadable template for a DIY pinhole projector.
This eye care provider is giving out one free pair of eclipse glasses per person at 430-plus retail locations nationwide.
Perfect Snacks, a protein bar brand, is offering a free pair of eclipse glasses with every online order of its new Chocolate Brownie bar.
From March 27 to April 8, Smoothie King is giving away one free pair of eclipse glasses with each purchase of its promotional Eclipse Berry Blitz drink. It’s made with bananas, wild blueberries, apples and blue spirulina, along with blueberry, white grape, lemon juice and protein blends.
Sonic Drive-In released a themed Blackout Slush Float drink that comes with a free pair of eclipse glasses. The black drink is made to resemble the darkness of the eclipse, with cotton candy and dragon fruit flavors.
Naturally, this space-themed brand has its own offer. MoonPie released a Solar Eclipse Survival Kit, which includes four chocolate mini MoonPies and two pairs of glasses. You can buy the kit online, at Dollar Tree nationwide and select Walmart locations.
Lunt Solar Systems 10-Pack Premium, Solar Eclipse Glasses
This pack of 10 NASA-approved solar eclipse glasses filter out 100% of ultraviolet and infrared rays, and 99% intense visible light, letting you view the sun directly through them. They’re also available in sets of five.
Lunt Solar Systems 4-Pack Junior Size Eclipse Glasses
Your kids can join in on the eclipse viewing experience with this set of four NASA-approved junior-sized glasses. They’re certified to keep children’s eyes safe while viewing the sun directly through them.
Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses 2-Pack
If you only need a few pairs of NASA-approved eclipse glasses, these are a good option. They filter out 100% of harmful ultraviolet, 100% infrared and 99.9% of intense visible light for optimal safety. A scratch-resistant coating makes the lenses on these glasses more durable than other options. They're also available in packs of 10.
Lunt Solar Systems Magnification Sunoculars
To get a closer look at the eclipse, go with these sunoculars. They’re approved by NASA, featuring 8x32 magnification and a pocket-sized design that’s easy to carry around.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.
