Everything You Need to Know About Solar Eclipse Glasses Before April 8

With the total solar eclipse approaching on April 8, 2024, and an estimated 99% of people in the U.S. poised to witness either a partial or total eclipse, it's crucial to prioritize public health by ensuring safe viewing practices.

Special solar eclipse glasses are essential for direct viewing, as looking at the sun without proper eye protection—even for a short duration—can lead to severe eye damage or even blindness due to solar retinopathy. These glasses, designed to filter out harmful rays, are significantly darker than ordinary sunglasses, with filters permitting only a tiny fraction of visible light. Adhering to these safety measures is imperative, particularly as this rare astronomical event unfolds. Read more from NPR here.