If you're like us, you've probably already heard about the upcoming solar eclipse and picked out the best spot to watch it with your family.
But if you've already picked up a pair of solar eclipse glasses it's important that you double check to make sure they're authentic. These aren't just part of the fun, eye protection is very important if you want to watch a solar eclipse.
It turns out some fraudsters have taken advantage of the demand for safety glasses by providing fake ones that could seriously injure your eyes. Learn how to recognize real glasses and stay safe on August 21st.
Safety Tips
Looking at an eclipse is the same as looking at the sun during the day. You should not do it with unprotected eyes. You might not feel any pain, because most parts of our eyes don't have pain receptors, but you can seriously damage your eyes by looking at an eclipse.
Regular dark glasses are not safe, and you should only look at the eclipse with your naked eyes during the totality (when it's completely eclipsed). If any part of the sun is showing, cover your eyes.
So how can you check if your glasses are real?
Fake Glasses
Eclipse glasses are thousands of times more effective than regular sunglasses, and they're all checked by the American Astronomical Society for safety. Look inside the leg of your glasses, they should have this code: ISO- 12312-2.
If your glasses don't have that code do not use them. Amazon is accepting returns for any phony glasses, but may not be able to ship you a return in time for the eclipse because demand is so high.
Using a Smartphone or Other Cameras
It is safe to film the eclipse with a camera or phone, but not to view it through one. Just like filming the sun, the light of the eclipse could damage a camera lens, but most modern smartphones will be fine.
Make Your Own Eye Protection
If you don't have glasses by now, you can still enjoy the eclipse with a pinhole camera. This clever gadget lets you look at a reflection of the eclipse, and you can easily make one at home using a cardboard box or even a cereal box.
Be sure to learn more about eclipses so you can enjoy this one as much as possible, and remember to have fun!
Share these tips so everyone can watch the eclipse safely!