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From Warby Parker to your public library, here’s how to score some free eclipse glasses

On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross over parts of Mexico, the United States and Canada. According to The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), this celestial phenomenon happens when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth. As the moon completely blocks the face of the sun, an unnatural darkness occurs. Weather permitting, those in the path of the eclipse will catch a glimpse of the sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, which is not usually viewable due to the brightness of the sun. 

The upcoming eclipse will pass through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Even if you live outside of its path, you’ll still get to see a partial solar eclipse, which should be viewable throughout the country if the weather is clear.

Staring at an eclipse without adequate eye protection can cause retina damage and severe eye injury — you’ll need solar eclipse viewing glasses to observe it safely. A number of U.S. retailers and entities, including Warby Parker, MyEyeDr., Smoothie King and Sonic Drive-In are giving away these glasses for free. You’ll want to act fast while supplies last; some sources, such as the Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries initiative, are no longer available. If you’re having trouble scoring free glasses, you should still be able to buy some online that’ll arrive in time for viewing. 

Shop this article: Lunt Solar Systems 10-Pack Premium, Solar Eclipse Glasses, Lunt Solar Systems 4-Pack Junior Size Eclipse Glasses and Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses 2-Pack

Why you shouldn’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime eclipse

While solar eclipses come around every one to two years, this one is projected to be a once-in-a-lifetime event. Nicola Fox, associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, said the upcoming solar eclipse will be “the most accessible eclipse this nation has experienced in this generation.” 

The sun will be at maximum activity for this eclipse, resulting in a brighter corona. There’s also a higher likelihood of eclipse viewers seeing prominences, which look like loops or bright pink curls coming off of the sun. The moon is also set to be bigger than it was for previous eclipses, meaning the darkness will last longer. The eclipse will pass North America in a 115-mile journey, double that of the last total solar eclipse in 2017. This puts over 31 million Americans in its path.  

Before getting a pair of solar eclipse glasses, make sure that they’re safe

Check to see whether the brand in question is on this list of vendors approved by the American Astronomical Society. Additionally, viewing glasses with an ISO label indicate that the retailer vouches for the quality and safety of its products.

Where to get solar eclipse glasses for free

Warby Parker

This eyewear company is offering two pairs of ISO-certified eclipse glasses per family from April 1 to 8. If there are no Warby Parker locations near you or there are no more free glasses left, the brand also provides a downloadable template for a DIY pinhole projector.

MyEyeDr. 

This eye care provider is giving out one free pair of eclipse glasses per person at 430-plus retail locations nationwide.

Perfect Snacks

Perfect Snacks, a protein bar brand, is offering a free pair of eclipse glasses with every online order of its new Chocolate Brownie bar. 

Smoothie King

From March 27 to April 8, Smoothie King is giving away one free pair of eclipse glasses with each purchase of its promotional Eclipse Berry Blitz drink. It’s made with bananas, wild blueberries, apples and blue spirulina, along with blueberry, white grape, lemon juice and protein blends.

Sonic Drive-In

Sonic Drive-In released a themed Blackout Slush Float drink that comes with a free pair of eclipse glasses. The black drink is made to resemble the darkness of the eclipse, with cotton candy and dragon fruit flavors. 

MoonPie

Naturally, this space-themed brand has its own offer. MoonPie released a Solar Eclipse Survival Kit, which includes four chocolate mini MoonPies and two pairs of glasses. You can buy the kit online, at Dollar Tree nationwide and select Walmart locations.

Solar eclipse glasses you can buy online

Lunt Solar Systems 10-Pack Premium, Solar Eclipse Glasses

This pack of 10 NASA-approved solar eclipse glasses filter out 100% of ultraviolet and infrared rays, and 99% intense visible light, letting you view the sun directly through them. They’re also available in sets of five.

Lunt Solar Systems 4-Pack Junior Size Eclipse Glasses

Your kids can join in on the eclipse viewing experience with this set of four NASA-approved junior-sized glasses. They’re certified to keep children’s eyes safe while viewing the sun directly through them. 

Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses 2-Pack

If you only need a few pairs of NASA-approved eclipse glasses, these are a good option. They filter out 100% of harmful ultraviolet, 100% infrared and 99.9% of intense visible light for optimal safety. A scratch-resistant coating makes the lenses on these glasses more durable than other options. They’re also available in packs of 10.

For a more close-up viewing experience

Lunt Solar Systems Magnification Sunoculars

To get a closer look at the eclipse, go with these sunoculars. They’re approved by NASA, featuring 8×32 magnification and a pocket-sized design that’s easy to carry around.  

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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