PUERTO VALLARTA, Jalisco — Eclipse glasses—we all know they're necessary to view the eclipse, but how can we tell if they're safe?
Stormtracker 16 Meteorologist Jeremy Lewan asked Dr. Rick Fienberg, the head of the American Astronomical Society's Solar Eclipse Task Force, who individually vetted each eclipse glasses manufacturer for the official list.
"It's really astonishing how many fake test reports we have received. I've essentially spent a good part of the last 2 years working on this list," explained Dr. Fienberg. He went on, "If a seller tells me they get their glasses from a particular manufacturer, I contact the manufacturer and say, 'Are you supplying this seller?' So I'm checking from both sides. Every supplier who has gotten on our list has been looked at at least 3 different ways: the test report, the fact that they're getting from a legitimate manufacturer, and the manufacturer confirming that they're supplying the seller."
To check your glasses, first check the inside arm for an ISO certification. Step two—if it has the marking, look for the manufacturer's name and search the AAS listing to ensure it has been vetted.
As of this past week, Amazon is sending notices and providing refunds to customers who purchased glasses from sellers who did not appear on Dr. Fienberg's list.
No, you can't just use your regular sunglasses for the eclipse. You must use ISO-certified eclipse glasses, which only allow one-one millionth of the light from the sun to come through. That's what's safe for your eyes. Otherwise, you could cause permanent damage, including blindness.
Some ask about the safety of wearing welding glasses and helmets to view the eclipse. Most of those sold in hardware stores aren't dark enough; they must have a shade 12 filter or higher to provide a safe and comfortable viewing experience.
If you kept your glasses from a previous eclipse, inspect them for any scratches or folds that could allow for more light to get through before using them on Monday.
"The modern filters, and certainly all of them made since the ISO standard was adopted in 2015, are made of much better materials that will essentially last forever," said Dr. Fienberg.
Remember, eclipse glasses must be worn at all times, unless the moon is completely covering the sun!
To view the full list of eclipse glasses vetted by Dr. Fienberg, click here.