On Monday, Apr. 8, a total solar eclipse will begin in Mexico, passing through Texas and ending in Maine. Even if you're not in the eclipse's direct path, you'll have a chance to see a partial eclipse — but to view it safely, you'll need eclipse-viewing glasses. The date of the eclipse is nearly upon us; but even if you're just hearing about the event now, you can still find a pair last-minute that'll arrive just in time.
According to NASA, a total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, which completely blocks the face of the sun and darkens the sky. If the weather allows, people in the path of the eclipse can view the sun's corona, or outer atmosphere, which you can't usually see due to the brightness of the sun. Total solar eclipses occur every 1-2 years.
April's total solar eclipse will be visible in the U.S. along a narrow path travelling through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. But outside of the path, people will still be able to see a partial solar eclipse, where the moon covers part of the sun. That should be viewable everywhere in the U.S., as long as the sky is clear.
Shop this article: Lunt Solar Systems 10 Pack Premium, Solar Eclipse Glasses, Lunt Solar Systems 4-Pack Junior Size Eclipse Glasses and Lunt Solar Systems Magnification Sunoculars.
Whether you're in the total eclipse's path or just hoping to catch sight of a partial eclipse, you need eclipse viewing glasses — otherwise, viewing the eclipse can cause serious damage to your vision.
Lunt Solar Systems 10-Pack Premium, Solar Eclipse Glasses
This 10-pack of premium solar eclipse glasses is NASA-approved for safe, direct-sun viewing during an eclipse. They filter out all of the sun's ultraviolet and infrared rays, as well as 99% of its intense visible light. You can also get them in sets of five.
Lunt Solar Systems 4-Pack Junior Size Eclipse Glasses
These kids' size glasses are a must if you have kids who want to view the eclipse. They're NASA-approved and certified for keeping eyes safe while viewing the sun.
Lunt Solar Systems Magnification Sunoculars
For a closer look, get these protective binoculars, which provide 8x32 magnification for the best view of the sun — and the eclipse — while still keeping your eyes safe.
Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses 2-Pack
If you don't need more than a few pairs of solar eclipse glasses, consider this option. Like the Lundt glasses, they're approved by NASA. While they're pricier, the scratch-resistant lenses make them more durable. You can also get them in packs of 10.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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