PHOENIX — The solar eclipse is coming – are you ready to be sunstruck?
To view the solar eclipse, regular sunglasses won’t do – you need solar eclipse viewing glasses. Don’t know where to find them? 12News has you covered.
Phoenix Public Library
The Phoenix Public Library has solar eclipse viewing glasses available for children 17 years and younger, while supplies last, from Oct. 7 to 14. To pick up a pair, head to a featured solar eclipse event.
Page Public Library
The Page Public Library is hosting a Solar Eclipse Party at 8 a.m. Saturday. At the party, eclipse glasses will be provided for safe viewing.
Homolovi State Park
The Winslow state park has solar filter glasses available for guests hoping to catch a glimpse of the eclipse. Viewing opens at 7 a.m. Saturday.
Arizona Science Center
The Arizona Science Center welcomes Arizonans to join the eclipse party starting at 7:45 a.m. In addition to some deals on annual memberships, the Arizona Science Center is offering free special viewing glasses.
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library
Head to the downtown public library to view the solar eclipse. One pair of solar eclipse viewing glasses are available one per family, depending on available. There will also be a sunspotter available downtown to use for observing the eclipse, starting at 9 a.m.
Solar filters for smartphones
There are a couple of filters available for smartphones – because it’s not just your eyes that could be damaged by the intense rays, but your phones, too. The three filters include the solar filter itself and a way to fasten the filter over the smartphone lens.
Big chain stores may have options, too
Lowe’s, Walmart, Home Depot and Amazon all have options, but availability, pricing and style all vary by location. Scientists also caution people to beware: not all eclipse glasses are made equal. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, you shouldn't be able to see anything through a safe solar filter except the sun – that's why solar glasses are different than sunglasses, they block out more light.
Even more recommendations…
The American Astronomical Society compiled a list of solar eclipse glasses and handheld solar viewers, as well as places that resell these items, chains that sell them, places to grab glasses for free and solar filters for your binoculars, telescopes and camera lenses. Click here to check out their full list.
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