Where to Buy Solar Eclipse Glasses in Ohio: Prepare for the 2024 Solar Eclipse
As the highly anticipated solar eclipse approaches, experts are urging people in Ohio to take precautions and not look at the sky without proper eye protection. The eclipse, scheduled for April 8, will be visible within a 124-mile band running through various areas of Ohio, marking the first time in 200 years that the state will witness such a phenomenon. Known as the Great North American Eclipse, it will cast a path of totality from Southwest to Northeast Ohio, affecting cities like Toledo and Cleveland, according to NationalEclipse.com. Even those in Greater Cincinnati will experience a partial totality at 3:09 p.m. on the day of the eclipse.
However, regardless of whether Ohioans find themselves in the path of complete or partial totality, it is crucial for everyone to avoid looking directly at the eclipse with the naked eye, as NASA warns that doing so could result in severe eye injury. To ensure their safety, Ohioans will need to obtain approved sets of solar eclipse glasses. Here’s where they can be purchased.
Where to Buy Solar Eclipse Glasses
While NASA does not endorse any specific spectacles for eclipse viewing, the agency advises eclipse watchers to ensure that their glasses meet the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 12312-2 standard for safely looking at the sun. However, finding genuine glasses can be challenging, as counterfeit products have flooded the market in previous years leading up to solar eclipses, according to the American Astronomical Society.
Fortunately, the American Astronomical Society has compiled a list of approved vendors for eclipse glasses and telescopes. Many local retail stores in Ohio, including Kroger, Meijer, Walmart, and more, are expected to sell these glasses as the eclipse draws near. For those who prefer online shopping, NationalEclipse.com offers its own selection of approved glasses, which can be purchased in packs of 25 for $58.75, or $2.35 per pair.
In the Cincinnati area, the Cincinnati Astronomical Society has taken the initiative to purchase a large quantity of certified safe solar eclipse glasses from a NASA-approved vendor. They are currently selling these glasses online for $5 per pair. Additionally, the Cincinnati Observatory is offering glasses for the same price at its gift shop.
For those looking to make the most of this celestial event, Great Parks of Hamilton County will be hosting an eclipse viewing event at Miami Whitewater Forest Harbor in Harrison. During the event, they will provide free eclipse glasses while supplies last, allowing attendees to safely witness the awe-inspiring phenomenon.
Conclusion
With the 2024 solar eclipse just around the corner, it is essential for Ohioans to prioritize their eye safety by obtaining approved solar eclipse glasses. Whether purchased from local retail stores or online vendors, these glasses will ensure that individuals can witness the celestial spectacle without risking severe eye injury. Additionally, attending events like the one hosted by Great Parks of Hamilton County offers a unique opportunity to experience the eclipse alongside fellow enthusiasts. So, mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable celestial event in Ohio’s skies.