The 2017 Eclipse Glasses Fiasco: A Lesson in Safety and Authenticity

The anticipation for the Great North American Eclipse of August 21, 2017, was palpable. It was to be the first eclipse to cross the entire continental United States in nearly a century, and millions were preparing to witness this celestial phenomenon. Amidst this excitement, a critical safety component became a subject of nationwide concern: the eclipse glasses. Unfortunately, what should have been a straightforward precaution turned into a widespread cautionary tale about counterfeit products flooding the market from China.

Eclipse glasses are essential for safely viewing solar eclipses. These specialized glasses are designed to protect viewers' eyes from harmful solar radiation, which can cause serious eye damage or blindness if viewed directly without proper protection. However, as the eclipse date drew nearer, reports began to surface about the market being inundated with fake eclipse glasses. These counterfeits, many of which were manufactured in China, mimicked the appearance of certified, safe eclipse glasses but lacked the necessary protective filters.

The situation escalated when reputable scientific organizations and news outlets started to raise alarms. The American Astronomical Society (AAS) and NASA issued warnings about the influx of counterfeit glasses, emphasizing the importance of verifying the safety of eclipse glasses through reputable vendors and checking for the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard certification.

The crux of the problem lay not only in the mere existence of these counterfeits but also in their distribution. Many of these glasses were sold through major online retailers, including Amazon, which further complicated the situation. As a response, Amazon initiated a large-scale recall of potentially unsafe eclipse glasses and offered refunds to customers who had purchased glasses from unverified suppliers. This move, while necessary, added to the confusion and anxiety as thousands scrambled to find legitimate replacements in time for the eclipse.

The fallout from the counterfeit eclipse glasses incident was multifaceted. On one hand, it highlighted the dangers posed by insufficient regulation and oversight in the manufacturing and sale of products intended for critical safety applications. On the other, it served as a wake-up call for consumers about the perils of counterfeit products. The incident underscored the importance of due diligence in purchasing products online, especially when those products are meant to protect one’s health and safety.

In March 2023, we purchased multiple models of eclipse glasses from Chinese vendors. We then tested them in 3 different labs. Each model failed the ISO test. To us, this was an important indicator that Chinese-made eclipse glasses are not safe for direct solar viewing. What was doubly concerning was the manufacturers in China provided us with testing results that showed they had passed ISO testing in Chinese labs. 

In the end, the 2017 Great North American Eclipse came and went, leaving behind awe-inspiring memories for those who witnessed it safely. However, the lessons learned from the counterfeit eclipse glasses debacle remain relevant. They remind us of the importance of vigilance, the value of buying from reputable sources, and the critical need for public education on safety standards. As we look forward to future celestial events, let this incident be a guide for better preparation and awareness, ensuring that the wonders of the cosmos can be safely enjoyed by all.