Updated: Where can I get solar eclipse glasses?

Updated: Thursday, March 21, 2024 – After doing some research through NASA – you can use a welding helmet or glasses, but they must have a shade 14 lens in them. Common masks used in welding have a shade 10 lens which cannot be used to look directly at the sun.

The safest and most reliable method for looking at the sun is eclipse glasses.

Intereresingly there are no suppliers of welding equipment listed.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR) – As we get closer to the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, you might be wondering where you can get eclipse glasses.

During the solar eclipse, the moon will move across the sun, covering the light and making the sky look dark. Once the sun is covered completely, or under totality, it’s OK to look at the sky, but before and after the eclipse, you should wear eclipse glasses to avoid eye damage.

It is only safe to remove your eclipse glasses if and only if you are in the path of totality. If you are in an area not in totality, you must wear glasses the entire time or risk damage to your eyes.

This map shows the areas that will be in totality. Just hover your mouse over the location or use the search box in the upper left-hand corner.

Nexstar’s WSYR-TV spoke to Dr. James Forde, optometrist at Harbor Eye Associates in Oswego, who said staring at the sun during the solar eclipse without protective eyewear can put you at risk for permanent eye damage.

“Anywhere that the retina was exposed to that level of energy, it can burn it permanently and hurt your rods and cones, which can give you bad central vision, distorted vision, and it can affect your color vision as well,” said Dr. Forde.

When buying eclipse glasses, you’ll want to make sure you’re buying from a reputable vendor and know how to identify the key markers that prove the glasses are eclipse-proof.

American Astronomical Society (AAS) approved Solar eclipse glasses

1. Rainbow Symphony

Are you looking for affordable and stylish eclipse glasses? Rainbow Symphony has lots of options to choose from ranging in price from $7.95 to $19.95.

2. Daystar Eclipse Glasses

Daystar has a lot of different custom eclipse glasses including funny and unique designs and patterns. They also give you the option to buy glasses in bulk if you are hosting an eclipse viewing party or are a business or school that wants to give out glasses to hundreds of people.

3. Thousand Oaks Optical

If you’re looking to buy solar eclipse glasses in bulk, Thousand Oaks Optical is another approved seller of eclipse viewers.

4. American Paper Optics Eclipse Glasses

If you want eclipse glasses that NASA uses, American Paper Optics is selling several different options.

5. Celestron

Celestron, a manufacturer of high-quality telescopes, telescope accessories, binoculars and sporting optics, is another good retailer for buying solar eclipse glasses. The company’s EclipSmart Safe brand offers eclipse paper glasses, solar power viewers and premium glasses.

According to the AAS, you can also buy eclipse glasses directly from the following major U.S. retailers, depending on stock availability: H-E-B, Walmart, Lowes, Buc-ee’s, Wegmans, Menards, Kroger, Meijer, Warby Parker (available for free until supplies run out, starting April 1st), Cracker Barrel and Staples.

Can I make my own solar eclipse viewer?

You can also make your own eclipse viewer from a cereal box if you want to save money. Or, you can use two sheets of paper to make a pinhole projector.

How can I make sure my solar eclipse glasses are safe?

Make sure that wherever you buy, you’re looking for glasses that are labeled “ISO 12312-2” and have an authentic ISO certification label.

Your solar eclipse glasses should also be made to the following specifications, and meet the following standards:

• Authentic solar filters
• Proper fit and full coverage
• Reputable manufacturer and vendor
• Free of any defects, punctures, and scratches
• No distortion and proper transmission of limited light

If you already bought glasses and want to make sure they are safe, the American Astronomical Society has a full list of suppliers of safe solar viewers and filters. American Paper Optics also offers a list of approved sellers for those looking to buy on Amazon.

There is also an effort in New York State to distribute a limited supply of I Love NY Eclipse glasses at 30 locations throughout the state including New York State Welcome Centers and select services along the NYS Thruway.

In Central New York those places to get eclipse glasses include:

Mohawk Valley Welcome Center
NYS Thruway (I-90), Westbound at Mohawk River Lock E13 (Milepost 187)
Fultonville, NY 12072
Hours of Operation: Daily: 9 am – 5 pm

Southern Tier Welcome Center
I-81, Northbound (between PA State Line and Exit 1)
Kirkwood, NY 13795
Hours of Operation: Daily: 9 am – 5 pm (Oct 1 – Mar 31); Daily: 8 am – 7 pm (Apr 1 – Sept 30)

Mohawk Service Area (Open 24/7)
I-90 – NYS Thruway, Milepost 172
Located Eastbound between Exit 27 (Amsterdam) & Exit 26 (Schenectady West)
Amsterdam, NY 12010

Indian Castle Service Area (Open 24/7)
I-90 – NYS Thruway, Milepost 210
Located Eastbound between Exit 29A (Little Falls) & Exit 29 (Canajoharie)
Little Falls, NY 13365

Iroquois Service Area (Open 24/7)
I-90 – NYS Thruway, Milepost 210
Located Westbound between Exit 29 (Canajoharie) & Exit 29A (Little Falls)
Little Falls, NY 13365

Schuyler Service Area (Open 24/7)
I-90 – NYS Thruway, Milepost 227
Located Westbound between Exit 30 (Herkimer) & Exit 31 (Utica)
Frankfort, NY 13340

Oneida Service Area (Open 24/7)
I-90 – NYS Thruway, Milepost 244
Located Eastbound between Exit 33 (Verona-Rome) & Exit 32 (Westmoreland-Rome)
Westmoreland, NY 13490

Chittenango Service Area (Open 24/7)
I-90 – NYS Thruway, Milepost 266
Located Westbound between Exit 34 (Canastota) & Exit 34A (Syracuse I-481)
Canastota, NY 13032