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For acquiring eclipse glasses for the April 2024 total solar eclipse, you have a variety of options, including well-known retailers and gas stations. Here’s a comprehensive list:
1. Online Retailers:
- Amazon: Offers a wide array of eclipse glasses from different manufacturers.
- eBay: A variety of options, including bulk purchases.
- Eclipse Glasses USA: Specializes in eclipse-safe eyewear, adhering to the ISO 12312-2 safety standard.
2. Hardware Stores:
- Lowe's and Home Depot: These large home improvement retailers may stock eclipse glasses, especially as the event draws near. These stores typically price their glasses between $2.50 to $3.50 per pair.
3. Specialty Astronomy Shops:
- B&H Photo Video, High Point Scientific, and Orion Telescopes & Binoculars are known for their range of astronomy equipment, including eclipse glasses.
4. Museum and Planetarium Gift Shops:
- Gift shops at institutions like the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum or Adler Planetarium often sell certified eclipse glasses. These sites typically offer their glasses at deep discounts or for free but with limited quantities available.
5. Science Education Suppliers:
- Carolina Biological Supply Company and Educational Innovations cater to educational markets and the general public.
6. Optical/Astronomy Stores:
- Stores like OpticsPlanet often include eclipse glasses in their range of optical equipment.
7. Libraries and Educational Institutions:
- Check with local libraries and schools for potential distribution of eclipse glasses, particularly if they organize related educational events. Libraries often offer free eclipse glasses to the public but limit the free pairs to one pair per person.
8. National Parks and Visitor Centers:
- Centers in national parks along the eclipse path might offer eclipse glasses.
9. Community Events:
- Local events centered on the eclipse may provide opportunities to purchase or receive eclipse glasses.
10. Tourist Information Centers:
- Centers in cities like Dallas, Texas, or Indianapolis, Indiana, along the eclipse path may offer eclipse glasses.
11. Convenience Stores and Gas Stations:
- 7-11 gas stations, especially in areas directly in the path of the eclipse, might stock eclipse glasses as the event nears. In the weeks leading up to the October 2023 annular eclipse, it was not uncommon to see gas stations pricing their eclipse glasses anywhere from $4 per pair to $6 per pair.
12. Direct from Manufacturers:
- Manufacturers such as American Paper Optics, Rainbow Symphony, and Thousand Oaks Optical sell eclipse glasses directly through their websites. While generally cheaper on a per pair basis, these manufacturers often only offer purchases on quantities greater than 25 pairs. Eclipse Glasses USA offers 5-pack minimums for the standard family or friend group size.
Ensure any eclipse glasses you purchase meet the ISO 12312-2 standard for safe solar viewing. Avoid homemade filters or regular sunglasses, as they do not provide sufficient protection for your eyes.
1. Online Retailers:
- Amazon: Offers a wide array of eclipse glasses from different manufacturers.
- eBay: A variety of options, including bulk purchases.
- Eclipse Glasses USA: Specializes in eclipse-safe eyewear, adhering to the ISO 12312-2 safety standard.
2. Hardware Stores:
- Lowe's and Home Depot: These large home improvement retailers may stock eclipse glasses, especially as the event draws near. These stores typically price their glasses between $2.50 to $3.50 per pair.
3. Specialty Astronomy Shops:
- B&H Photo Video, High Point Scientific, and Orion Telescopes & Binoculars are known for their range of astronomy equipment, including eclipse glasses.
4. Museum and Planetarium Gift Shops:
- Gift shops at institutions like the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum or Adler Planetarium often sell certified eclipse glasses. These sites typically offer their glasses at deep discounts or for free but with limited quantities available.
5. Science Education Suppliers:
- Carolina Biological Supply Company and Educational Innovations cater to educational markets and the general public.
6. Optical/Astronomy Stores:
- Stores like OpticsPlanet often include eclipse glasses in their range of optical equipment.
7. Libraries and Educational Institutions:
- Check with local libraries and schools for potential distribution of eclipse glasses, particularly if they organize related educational events. Libraries often offer free eclipse glasses to the public but limit the free pairs to one pair per person.
8. National Parks and Visitor Centers:
- Centers in national parks along the eclipse path might offer eclipse glasses.
9. Community Events:
- Local events centered on the eclipse may provide opportunities to purchase or receive eclipse glasses.
10. Tourist Information Centers:
- Centers in cities like Dallas, Texas, or Indianapolis, Indiana, along the eclipse path may offer eclipse glasses.
11. Convenience Stores and Gas Stations:
- 7-11 gas stations, especially in areas directly in the path of the eclipse, might stock eclipse glasses as the event nears. In the weeks leading up to the October 2023 annular eclipse, it was not uncommon to see gas stations pricing their eclipse glasses anywhere from $4 per pair to $6 per pair.
12. Direct from Manufacturers:
- Manufacturers such as American Paper Optics, Rainbow Symphony, and Thousand Oaks Optical sell eclipse glasses directly through their websites. While generally cheaper on a per pair basis, these manufacturers often only offer purchases on quantities greater than 25 pairs. Eclipse Glasses USA offers 5-pack minimums for the standard family or friend group size.
Ensure any eclipse glasses you purchase meet the ISO 12312-2 standard for safe solar viewing. Avoid homemade filters or regular sunglasses, as they do not provide sufficient protection for your eyes.