How to test your eclipse glasses for safety before April 8 | CNN
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Worried that you might have bought fake eclipse glasses? Here are tips on how to test the safety of your glasses and what to know about eye safety.

As the total solar eclipse, occurring across Mexico, the United States and Canada on April 8, draws near, experts are reminding spectators to grab a pair of eclipse glasses to view the celestial event safely — and to make sure they aren’t fake.

Counterfeit eclipse glasses are “polluting the marketplace,” according to a release shared by the American Astronomical Society, or AAS.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, completely blocking the sun’s face from view for a few moments. About 32 million people in the US live within the 115-mile-wide (185-kilometer-wide) path of totality, or locations where the moon will appear to completely cover the sun and the lunar shadow falls on the Earth’s surface. People outside the path of totality will still be able to see a partial solar eclipse in which the moon only blocks part of the sun’s face.

  • young_broccoli@fedia.io
    0·
    6 months ago

    Pro tip: Use a polarized glass above shade 10 (or maybe 12) from a soldering welding mask. not expensive and more durable.

    Edit: Corrected my comment according to the experts. Thanks for the corrections, although, with one was enough lol. Edit2: Whatever you use for protection, test it beforehand as the article explains c:

    • Fondots@lemmy.world
      0·
      6 months ago

      1. Welding mask, soldering doesn’t usually require any special eye protection

      2. As others have said, only the darkest shades of welding glass provide adequate protection, and the ones that do are fairly uncommon, most hardware stores and even many welding supply places won’t won’t have dark enough masks or glasses on-hand normally. They may be able to order them, but don’t expect to pick them up off the shelf at your local store.

      • young_broccoli@fedia.io
        0·
        6 months ago
        1. Welding and soldering are the same word in my language (soldar) my bad.
        2. Honestly I wasnt aware there are shades of welding mask glass, here I just ask for a replacement mask glass at the hardware store and give me the right one (based on the fact that Im not blind) still, my bad.

        Guess thats why you shouldnt listen to internet randos :v