Don’t Miss Today’s Solar Eclipse (And Here’s How to Score Free Glasses!)
Are you ready for the solar eclipse? Here’s what you need to know about this exciting event!
The future’s so bright you’ll need these shades! 😎
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between our planet and the Sun, blocking the view of the Sun from Earth. This natural phenomenon is a sight to see and you’ll have the opportunity to do so today, October 14th, when an annular solar eclipse can be seen from Oregon to Texas.
There is a 115-mile path through these states that will see this full annular eclipse, called “The Ring of Fire”. At its peak or its annular, this eclipse will cover about 90% of the Sun! Visit NASA’s website for the exact time you can see the annular eclipse from your location.
What kind of glasses do you need to view the solar eclipse?
As part of the Sun will still be visible, it can permanently damage your eyes to look at it directly or through simple sunglasses. In fact, doing so can cause retinal burns and loss of central vision. 😱 To view the eclipse, special solar eclipse glasses are needed!
Here’s how to get solar eclipse glasses…
Thanks to a tip from a Hip2Save reader, we now know that many libraries carry free solar eclipse glasses! This year, the Space Science Institute is sending 5 million solar eclipse glasses to 10,000 libraries across the country thanks to its Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries (SEAL) program which is funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.
To see if your library has them available, call your local branch or visit the SEAL website to see a map of participating libraries.
Also, the Astronomical Society of the Pacific has recruited Eclipse Ambassadors to provide free solar eclipse glasses and other resources to underserved communities. See their website for a map of Eclipse Ambassadors near you.
Lastly, it doesn’t hurt to check with your local planetariums and astronomy clubs to see if they are hosting events or providing free solar eclipse glasses to the public. For example, the Quad City Astronomy Club is hosting free events in Davenport, Iowa, and providing viewing devices to participants.
Check with your local library! Several in my area give out free viewing glasses.
Sweet! Thanks so much for mentioning about checking there as a resource too, Lauren! 🙌🥰
Yep the Utah library sent me an email saying they were giving out free glasses
Can’t wait! Thank you! Awesome tip Lauren thank you as well.
You’re welcome, Elsie! 💞
I got a 10 pack on Amazon for $1.70. It was $9.99 plu
Nice score, Tricia! 💓 Glad you were able to snag a 10-pack to have several glasses available for the event! 😎
I hit submit by accident mid sentence lol. meant to say $9.99 plus had a gift card balance making them $.70. But $9.99 for 10 is a great price especially for big families.
No worries at all! ❤️ So awesome you were able to pair the sale price with your gift card to save even more!
Here is the link. They are on sale now $7.49. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C5NSW729?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_image
Thank you so much for taking the time to share the link! 🤗 I’ve added that option to the post. 💞
Can you see it the old fashioned way by poking a small hole in the top paper and seeing the eclipse coverage on a bottom sheet?
An annular solar eclipse is crossing the United States today and New Mexico is in the direct path of the eclipse. According to NASA, the solar eclipse will be visible in many parts of New Mexico, starting in the northwest of the state and ending in southeastern New Mexico. The best views are in the cities of Farmington, Albuquerque, Roswell and Hobbs, where about 90% of the eclipse will be visible. Areas outside the eclipse path can see about 80% of the eclipse.