Lunt Solar Systems Solar Eclipse Glasses
Solar eclipses can happen up to four times a year. Depending on where you live, you might see the sun almost disappear in the sky. Before you head out to look up, you need to make sure that your eyes have the protection they need. Lunt Solar Systems offer this set of solar glasses that offer all of the protection that you need. As you get 10 pairs in each set, you can easily outfit your friends and family for a viewing party or make sure that you have enough for future eclipses for yourself.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certified these glasses and guaranteed that they will keep your eyes safe. Each pair features a premium filter that changes the amount of light that comes through. This gives everything you see a slight orange tinge. The glasses put the filters inside a pair of cardboard frames that fit most adults comfortably. They also received approval from NASA because the glasses meet the standards established by the American Astronomical Society.
Key Features:
- 10 pack of glasses
- Perfect for groups and parties
- Certified by the ISO
- Filters harmful rays to protect your eyes
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Rainbow Symphony Plastic Eclipse Glasses
The great design and affordable price make these glasses popular with those throwing eclipse viewing parties. Instead of leaving the sides open like other glasses do, this pair has a wraparound design. The plastic frames wrap around the sides of your face and keep the sun from getting through. These glasses are fully certified by the ISO and CE and block out 99.9% of the most intensive sunlight. They also block 100% of the harmful UV and infrared light that comes from the sun. You can wear the glasses while staring straight at the sun and keep them clean and safe with the included pouch and lanyard.
Pros:
- Blocks 99.9 to 100% of the sun’s rays
- Keeps light from reaching your eyes
- Comfortable wraparound design
- Comes with free paper glasses
- Fits most adults
Cons:
- Don’t fit small heads very well
- May not fit over your prescription glasses
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Magnos Somnia Solar Eclipse Glasses
Approved by NASA and certified by the ISO and CE, these glasses come in sizes designed for adults and feature three pairs inside each package. Made from a special type of protective glass, each pair can block 100% of infrared and UV rays and block 99.9% of other types of light. They allow you to stare at the sun and see the sharp contrast that occurs during the eclipse. Each pair also has a slight hipster design that is right on trend. These glasses are comfortable enough that you can wear a pair during the entire viewing party.
Pros:
- Meets all eclipse safety standards
- Blocks 100% of UV and infrared rays
- Blocks 99.9% of other dangerous lights
- Fits most adults
- Comes in packs of three
Cons:
- Have a somewhat cheap feel
- Only comes with one case for all three pairs
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Thousand Oaks Optical Solar Eclipse Viewers
A good option for those on a budget is this set from Thousand Oaks Optical, which comes with 10 pairs of viewers inside each package. Unlike traditional glasses, these viewers are observation cards. Each card has a paper border around the edges that you can hold in your hand and a filter window that lets you watch the eclipse. That window measures one inch wide by four inches long. Made from a black polymer, the window filters out the harmful rays of the sun and changes the colors you see to different shades of orange to help you focus on the changes in the sky.
Pros:
- Includes 10 pairs of viewers
- Certified by the ISO and CE
- Made in the USA
- Lets you safely view sunspots and eclipses
- Suitable for both adults and kids
Cons:
- Are not solar eclipse glasses
- Feels a little cheap
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Rainbow Symphony Solar Eclipse Shades
Those who like the way glasses fit but want to save money might prefer these shades that combine the best of both worlds. Though they fit like standard glasses do, they use a paper material that brings down the cost. You get five pairs of viewing shades that keep you and your loved ones safe as you watch the eclipse. The paper frames fit over your ears and sit close to your face, though some rays can still get through the sides. Each pair has a black polymer material in place of glass lenses that let you watch the full eclipse or sunspot and see everything.
Pros:
- Five pairs included in each pack
- Black polymer lenses block harmful rays
- Inexpensive and affordable viewing option
- CE certified
- Safe for direct viewing
Cons:
- Made from cheap paper
- Can break easily
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
American Paper Optics Eclipse Glasses
You can make sure that every guest at your party has protection with this set of eclipse glasses because it comes with 10 pairs. The glasses feature paper frames that have instructions printed on the sides to let you know how to wear them and stay safe during the eclipse. They also have either oval or square lenses inside that use a black polymer material that both blocks out the harmful rays and lets you see all aspects of the eclipse. You can wear the paper glasses with your prescription glasses too to ensure that you can see everything.
Pros:
- Comes with an assortment of 10 glasses
- Features printed instructions on the sides
- Has block polymer lenses to block harmful rays
- Made in the USA
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Not suitable for multiple uses
- Can tear or fray as you wear and use them
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
FAQs About Eclipse Glasses
When is the Next Solar Eclipse?
Though solar eclipses usually happen around once every 18 months, all are not the same. A total solar eclipse is when the moon completely covers the sun, while the moon only covers a portion of the sun during a partial eclipse. Most eclipses can last for five to seven minutes. The next total solar eclipse will not happen until 2024 in North America. Those who live in South America have seen two recently: one on December 14, 2020, and the second on December 4, 2021.
Does Everyone See the Same Things During an Eclipse?
If you want to know if everyone in the world sees the same thing during a solar eclipse, you only need to look to the last one in the United States. The way it looked to people changed drastically based on where they lived. Some saw the sun completely covered by the moon and had to use lights to make sure they could see in the darkness. Those living in other parts of the country saw a sliver or more of the sun.
Where to Buy Solar Eclipse Glasses?
The best place to buy solar eclipse glasses is online. A search on Google should bring up multiple websites that sell these glasses online. My suggestion would be to have a look on Amazon. Use this linkto search a full search result of solar eclipse glasses.
Can I Wear Ordinary Sunglasses?
When you were a child, your parents likely warned you against staring directly at the sun because of the damage it could do to your eyes. The same thing can happen if you stare at the sun during an eclipse. Though you might feel safe because the sky is dark or you have ordinary sunglasses on, you can suffer damage that is both extensive and permanent. It only takes a few seconds for the sun to burn your retinas, which can leave you blind. The problem is that the rays of the sun are much stronger and lack any barrier between them and your eyes. Unless you want to risk your eyesight, you should wear safety glasses. Sunglasses do not offer the protection that you need.
Can I Wear Welding Glasses?
Though you can wear welding glasses during a solar eclipse, it depends on the shade level and rating of the glasses. Welding helmets come in different types for different types of welding. You can also purchase glasses that protect your eyes but won’t protect your head. Unless the helmet or glasses have a 12 shade or higher, you should reach for eclipse glasses instead. Those with a lower shade level will not offer the protection that you need.
What Should I Look for in Eclipse Glasses?
You should never stare directly at the sun, especially during a solar eclipse. It’s important that you check the safety rating of the glasses and that you make sure it meets the minimum standards for eclipse viewing. Another thing to keep in mind is the size of the glasses in terms of how well they will fit. Some companies make glasses that have wide gaps around the side, which allows some of the sunlight to reach your eyes. You should also look for those designed specifically for kids when choosing those for your children. Glasses for adults will not protect them during the eclipse because they won’t fit properly.
You should think about how you will use the glasses and how much you want to spend too. If you have any questions after reading the product descriptions, you can find out what other customers thought about their glasses when you read reviews of solar eclipse glasses.
What are the Different Types of Eclipse Glasses?
Before buying solar eclipse glasses, you need to keep in mind that there are two different kinds: paper and plastic. If you want to invite friends over for a party and plan on tossing the glasses the next day, feel free to go with paper. Paper glasses have thin lenses and paper frames. They are usually fairly cheap and really only suitable for one-time use. Plastic glasses are more durable and can block more of the sun’s harmful rays. Some of these glasses are strong enough that you can save them for the next eclipse too.
Solar eclipse viewers are an alternative to traditional glasses. They have the same type of lens in the center that paper glasses do and have paper that surrounds that lens. Instead of wearing the viewer, you can hold it up to your eyes and look at the sun through the center.
Are There Any Safety Standards I Should Know?
The most important thing to look for in terms of safe eclipse glasses is whether it has a professional organization certified those glasses for wear during the eclipse. During the last solar eclipse, many companies sold cheap glasses that barely offered any protection beyond what simple sunglasses did, which was not much. ISO and CE certification are the two that you should look for as you browse the top glasses. Some glasses also have approval for NASA and are safe to wear during an eclipse.