You Can Get Free Eclipse Glasses From These Local Places

We are now less than a week away from the total solar eclipse that you're undoubtedly getting sick of hearing about, however, as a space nerd, I am thoroughly enjoying seeing so many people excited.

As a community, I think we've learned from the last time we had an eclipse. In 2017, places sold out of eclipse glasses everywhere way before the event, but this time around, people seem to be planning ahead. There are places where you can get glasses for cheap or even for free.

Where To Get Free Or Cheap Glasses

According to NASA, most of southern Michigan can expect over 90% sun coverage, with Detroit having 99% coverage. Only one small sliver of Michigan will experience the eclipse in its totality. Wherever you're watching, you're going to want to make sure you have the tools to witness this special event.

Thankfully, public service programs are in place to offer families the chance to get glasses without having to fight scalpers to get them. Here are a few places you can get approved glasses for cheap or free.

Local Library

Your local library may be offering free glasses while supplies last. You'll want to call ahead to make sure there are still glasses in stock.

Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum has glasses for sale for only $1.75 each. Again, while supplies last, so don't wait until the day of the eclipse to try getting the glasses. Also, if you're looking for something to do before the Eclipse, the planetarium would be a good way to prepare for the solar event.

Local Retailers

Many of the local retailers like Meijer and Walmart for fairly cheap, however, Meijer is already running low on stock at certain stores, so you'll want to act quickly. Glasses however are also very cheap at these stores.

Amazon

Amazon has a bit of everything for sale on its site, and eclipse glasses are a hot commodity. During the last eclipse, these sold out everywhere, even on Amazon. However, buying from Amazon is risky. Not all sellers on Amazon are approved by the American Astronomical Society (AAS) and could be scam listings by people trying to make a quick buck.

Check below to see how to make sure your glasses are legit.

How To Check Your Glasses Are Safe

Buying directly from an approved vendor is the best way to ensure your glasses will be safe for the eclipse. Staring at the sun can permanently damage your eyes, so it's important that the glasses you get properly protect your eyes. Glasses filters should be ISO 12312-2, but how do you know that they're really ISO 12312-2?

The AAS recommends doing three steps to check your glasses:

1. Put them on inside. You shouldn't be able to see anything, except very bright lights. If you can see other things, you should not wear them for the eclipse.
2. If they pass the first test, go outside and look around on a sunny day. You still shouldn't see anything.
3. If you pass the second test, quickly look at the sun. You should see a "round disk", as the AAS calls it. That is the sun. If you can make out the sun without hurting your eyes, you should be safe to view the eclipse.

You can view AAS' full guide to Eclipse Glasses here.