2 Million Free Eclipse Glasses to be Distributed to US Skywatchers

U.S. public libraries will be distributing more than 2 million pairs of free eclipse glasses for the celestial event that will be sweeping over the nation on Aug. 21. The glasses will come from an outreach program from the Space Science Institute (SSI).

Astronomers and skywatchers are about to tune their telescopes. To witness the Great American Eclipse that will occur for several hours in states. From the Southeast and passing across the Mountain West before proceeding to the Pacific Northwest. It is to pass over the country along a stretch of land from Oregon to South Carolina.

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Neighboring states will get partial eclipse depending on their arc length from the path of the phenomenon. Deemed the first incidence of totality in the 48 states since Feb. 26, 1979. Also, first total eclipse in the central United States since June 8, 1918.

Registered groups will also receive an informational booklet with Sunglasses

Amid excitement building up, it’s crucial note looking up at the sun. Even while partially hidden by the moon, can lead to serious eye damage. Thus, skywatchers will be provided solar-viewing glasses by some 4,800 library organizations. As part of an outreach program funded by a Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation grant to the nonprofit science group SSI.

In addition to the glasses, registered groups will also receive an informational booklet on the event. Includes details on viewing events, how to safely view the eclipse, and how to do public outreach programs about it.

Project director Paul Dusenbery dubbed it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for the country’s libraries and communities to work together, citing organizations such as NASA, the American Astronomical Society, and the National Science Foundation working toward promoting safe eclipse viewing.

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A memo released by NASA and five other organizations showed four manufacturers of solar eclipse glasses as well as handheld solar viewers certified to meet international standards, namely American Paper Optics, Rainbow Symphony, Thousand Oaks Optical, and TSE 17.

While applications to get the free glasses have already closed, educators and libraries can still get them at discounted prices from American Paper Optics.