Where to get free solar eclipse glasses: Libraries, Warby Parker and more giving glasses away
Amaris EncinasYou can’t very well watch one of the most anticipated celestial phenomena of the year without a pair of proper eclipse glasses now, can you?
It's time to figure out where you might procure a pair of ISO-certified glasses, especially with the total solar eclipse just days away – but beware of companies that claim their products are approved by NASA.
Millions of Americans are set to witness this once-in-a-lifetime event on April 8, with hundreds of cities and smaller towns in 13 states across the country catching “a glimpse of a spectacular sight not often seen,” Michael Zeiler, an eclipse cartographer, previously told USA TODAY.
The eclipse is predicted to chart along a 115-mile-wide path of totality, shrouding portions of Mexico, the United States and Canada in unnatural darkness and unveiling the sun's elusive outermost layer for a brief moment, USA TODAY reported.
That being said, there are a couple places you might be able to obtain a pair of solar eclipse glasses that are sure to keep your eyes safe.
The retailers included in this story are giving them out to members of the public, free of charge and while supplies last – though some require the purchase of a product to get the glasses.
You might also be able to find these glasses at your local public library or hardware store in your area. Solar eclipse themed celebrations held and public schools in your area may also provide eclipse glasses free of charge.
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How to tell if your solar eclipse glasses are safe
As you begin to scour the internet for a pair of solar eclipse glasses, the safety of your eyes and the eyes of your loved ones should be one of the first things on your mind. Especially, since this total solar eclipse is set “to last longer, be brighter and be visible to more people than the one observed in 2017,” according to USA TODAY reporting.
You could damage your retinas on eclipse day if you don’t have proper eye protection. Even observing the eclipse through camera lenses, binoculars and telescopes without a specialized solar filter could instantly cause severe eye injury, USA TODAY reported.
That’s why checking out whether the vendor you purchased your glasses from is on the list of verified North American manufacturers by the American Astronomical Society.
You can also check whether the product you purchase has an “ISO” label, which is a surefire sign that the independent organization vouches for the product's safety and quality.
Where can I get free solar eclipse glasses?
Warby Parker
Warby Parker, an online eyewear retailer wants to “help you see” this special celestial spectacle, offering members of the public a pair of ISO-certified glasses starting Monday, April 1.
- Dates available: Monday, April 1 through Monday, April 8
- Quantity: 2 pairs of glasses/family
- Where: Warby Parker retail locations nationwide, find one here.
Warby Parker has also provided a guide on how to DIY your own pinhole projector if you aren’t located near a store.
Take the perfect pic:How to get a great photo of the eclipse with your phone
Public libraries offering free eclipse glasses
With help from Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the Space Science Institute, The STAR Library Network has been able to distribute 5 million solar eclipse glasses to 10,000 public libraries across the country with assistance from Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the Space Science Institute and STAR Net’s Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries program.
STAR Net has also provided librarians with information and activities that will be shared with library patrons leading up to the big day, according to the STAR Net website.
- Dates available: Now
- Quantity: 1 pair/patron
- Where: Participating public libraries nationwide, check locations here.
New York State
New York State is offering members of the public an opportunity to get their hands on two free ISO-certified pairs of “I LOVE NY” solar eclipse glasses, according to the I LOVE NY webpage.
The free pairs of specs are given out daily while supplies last.
“Please note that there is no guarantee that glasses will be available as demand has been very high,” the website states.
- Dates available: Now
- Quantity: 2 pairs of glasses/person
- Where: “I LOVE NY” eclipse glasses are available at at New York State Welcome Centers, select Thruway Rest Stops, and other locations. Specific locations with addresses are linked here.
MyEyeDr.
MyEyeDr., which is a network of eye care providers that offers glasses, contacts and ophthalmology services is giving out “free solar eclipse glasses” on them.
About 438 participating MyEyeDr. locations will be giving away a free pair of eclipse eyeglasses while supplies last, Forbes reported.
- Dates available: Now
- Quantity: 1 pair of glasses/person
- Where: Participating MyEyeDr. retail locations nationwide, find one here.
Jeni's Ice Cream
Jeni’s, a Columbus, Ohio-based ice cream brand, will be giving out four pairs of eclipse glasses with purchase of the “Punk Stargonaut collection,” which are four “out-of-this-world flavors” launched to celebrate the eclipse.
- Dates available: Thursday, March 28 (online) and Friday, April 5 (in-store)
- Quantity: 4 pairs with purchase of Punk Stargonaut collection
- Where: Jeni’s Ice Cream website and Jeni’s Ice Cream parlors
Perfect Snacks
Perfect Snacks, a protein bar brand that manufactures Perfects Bars has decided to debut a new flavor tied to the upcoming eclipse, Chocolate Brownie. The company is also offering customers the chance to get 20% off the new flavor since it will be 20 years before another solar eclipse will be visible in the U.S.
Online orders for Chocolate Brownie bars come with free eclipse glasses, while supplies last, USA TODAY reported.
- Dates available: Now
- Quantity: Unclear
- Where: Select grocery stores and nationwide retailers like Target and Walmart
Smoothie King
Smoothie King is celebrating the once-in-a-lifetime celestial moment with a themed-drink called the “Eclipse Berry Blitz.”
The smoothie, which will be available for purchase March 27 through April 8 is made with “bananas, wild blueberries, apples, blueberry juice blend, white grape lemon juice blend, protein blend and blue spirulina, a blue-green algae powder.”
Smoothie aficionados who buy an Eclipse Berry Blitz at a participating Smoothie King location within the path of totality will also get a free pair of eclipse glasses while supplies last.
- Dates available: Wednesday, March 27 through Monday, April 8
- Quantity: 1 pair of glasses with purchase of “Eclipse Berry Blitz.”
- Where: Participating Smoothie King locations
Sonic Drive-In
Smoothie King isn’t the only restaurant with a solar eclipse themed beverage, choosing to offer customers a “Blackout Slush Float” to celebrate the momentous occasion. The drink will be available through Sunday, May 5.
Sonic will also be hanging out “free solar eclipse viewing glasses with every purchase of the float, while supplies last.”
- Dates available: Now through Sunday, May 5
- Quantity: 1 pair of glasses with purchase of “Blackout Slush Float.”
- Where: Participating Sonic Drive-In locations nationwide
Moon Pie
One of America’s favorite space themed snack brands is offering customers the chance to purchase a “MoonPie Solar Eclipse Survival kit” online for $9.99, which comes with four chocolate mini MoonPies and two pairs of eclipse glasses.
Glasses can also be purchased on MoonPie’s site for $1.99.
- Dates available: Now through Monday, April 8
- Quantity: 2 pairs of glasses per “MoonPie Solar Eclipse Survival kit”
- Where: MoonPie’s website, Dollar Tree locations nationwide, select Walmart retail locations
Contributing: Eric Lagatta and Mike Snider