To safely view a solar eclipse, it is important to wear special glasses that are designed to protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing glasses for a solar eclipse:
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ISO Certification: Look for glasses that are ISO 12312-2 compliant, which means they meet international safety standards for solar filters. The American Astronomical Society has published a list of reputable vendors and manufacturers of eclipse glasses that includes Lunt Solar Systems, American Paper Optics, and Rainbow Symphony.
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Shade Level: The only glasses that are safe for direct viewing of the sun with your eyes are those of Shade 12 or higher. Most eclipse glasses and solar viewers use black polymer, which is a flexible resin infused with carbon particles.
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Reputable Sellers: It is important to buy glasses from reputable sellers to ensure that they meet current safety standards. Avoid buying from places like Amazon or eBay, as this puts you at significant risk of buying unsafe or counterfeit glasses that wont provide your eyes with adequate protection.
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Sunglasses: Regular sunglasses are not safe for viewing a solar eclipse, no matter how tinted the lenses may be. They are made of very different materials than eclipse glasses and do not provide adequate protection.
Some recommended brands of eclipse glasses include Celestron EclipSmart, Rainbow Symphony, and American Paper Optics. Always follow the instructions that come with your glasses to ensure that you are using them properly.