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On April 8 2024, you might have the chance to experience a totally out-of-this world event — we’re talking a total solar eclipse. Crossing North America and passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada, the moon will pass between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun, and the sky will briefly darken as if it were dawn or dusk.
There are two to five solar eclipses each year, with a total eclipse taking place roughly every 18 months, so it might be a while before you get to see the next one. One way to get the best viewing action possible is 1) be in the area of the “path of totality” (where the moon’s shadow completely covers the sun), and 2) get yourself some shades. But you’re not just going to want to grab a normal pair of sunglasses to catch the celestial phenomenon — you’ll need the best solar eclipse glasses, which are relatively inexpensive, but have specialized filters to block out dangerous UV light that can damage your eyes.
What Are the Best Solar Eclipse Glasses?
There are plenty of counterfeit solar eclipse glasses out there, so safety is key here. According to NASA, you should look for eclipse glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard. These lenses are thousands of times darker than regular sunglasses and block out everything except a fraction of solar UV and IR radiation.
You’ll want to make sure that you’re buying safe, approved glasses from trusted companies. Fortunately, the American Astronomical Society (AAS) has put a list of vetted sellers that make sure your glasses check off two boxes: meeting the ISO safety standard (with confirmed test results), and being honest about what their glasses can (and can’t) do.
Looking to get the clearest view without hurting those peepers? We’ve found some of the best ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses you can buy online, as well as where you can find the best view. A few of our picks are even eligible for Prime one-day free shipping on Amazon. Not a Prime member? Click here to get a 30-day free trial.
1. Celestron 3-Piece EclipSmart Safe Solar Observing & Imaging Kit
Best Buy
This is a great alternative to the flimsier paper glasses you might find all over — these premium EclipSmart Solar Glasses have a sturdy plastic frame for a comfortable fit and a plastic lenses with Solar Safe film that meets ISO international safety standards. There’s a special solar safe filter included to capture stunning still photos and video of the eclipse with your smartphone, DSLR, or point-and-shoot camera without damaging its photo sensor. It also comes with a handy reference book packed with resources like a detailed eclipse map and city-by-city timetables.
2. SEIC Solar Eclipse Glasses
Amazon
If you already wear prescription glasses, you already know the struggle of trying to put on additional filters, like 3D glasses at the movies — but this pair of clip-on solar eclipse glasses solves that awkward layering on problem. These also meet ISO international standards for safety, and even come with their own convenient carrying case.
3. Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses
Amazon
If you’re looking for the budget-friendliness factor of paper shades, this two-pack from Soluna uses a scratch-resistant lens that’s ISO-certified and tested to filter out 100% of harmful ultra-violet, 100% of harmful infrared, and 99.999% of intense visible light — all for under $20. If you’re looking to view the eclipse safely without breaking the bank, these are a highly-rated option for a reason.
4. Helioclipse Solar Eclipse Viewing Glasses 12-Pack
Amazon
Looking to host a solar eclipse-viewing party, or just need enough glasses to pass around for the whole family? This inexpensive 12-pack of glasses from Amazon comes in the clutch — they block out 100% of harmful UV and IR rays from the sun, meet the safety standards of ISO 12312-2 certification, and come in to under $2 per set of glasses.
5. SEIC Solar Eclipse Plastic Frame Glasses
Amazon
If you’re looking for a sturdier (and more stylish) option for prime-time eclipse viewing, these solar eclipse glasses feature a plastic frame and meet ISO international safety standards. While their design is big enough to fit and wrap around regular prescription glasses, they can also be worn on their own. They’re also durable enough to toss in a bag without worried about being crushed or scratched like a paper frame.
6. Halo Solar Eclipse Glasses
Amazon
Looking for a splurge-worthy option for this rare special event? This pair from Halo Eclipse Spectacles are ISO-certified and come with multiple filters beyond what you’d find on normal viewing glasses. Besides the obvious the eclipse-viewing lens, these also pack in a blue light blocker frame and polarized UV500 sunglass lenses, which make them perfect for using as regular sunglasses (or saving for future eclipses).
When & Where Will the Total Solar Eclipse 2024 Happen?
According to NASA, the first place you’ll be able to view the 2024 total solar eclipse in totality is Mexico’s Pacific Coast at around 11:07 a.m. PT. Then, it will enter the U.S. starting in Texas, and move through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Canada will be able to view the eclipse in Southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. Finally, the total solar eclipse will exit North America on the Atlantic Coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at around 5:16 p.m. NDT. You can see viewing times for select U.S. cities on NASA’s website.
If you’re in one of those locations, you’ll be able to view the path of totality, and that means you’ll need to look at the sky with proper protection, or else you can do some serious damage to your eyes. The agency notes that “viewing any part of the bright sun through a camera lens, binoculars or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury.”
