By Alecia Solorzano

CORNING, N.Y. (WENY) – On Monday April 8th, 2024, a month from today, a total solar eclipse will cross over North America. Many people will want to see it but, in order to do so, viewers will need to use protective eye wear.

Solar glasses are the most ideal method for checking out the solar spectacle but there are certain glasses you can use and others that you can’t. When purchasing glasses, you have to pay extra attention to which you’re buying and check if they meet certain requirements. The right glasses contain specific filters and a certain mark that you have to be on the lookout for. 

"On the back of your glasses that you purchase, they should have an ISO number,” said Deborah Dann, Professor and Director of the Eileen Collins Observatory at Corning Community College, “That number kind of ensures that [it] is an official standard for making these eclipse glasses. That the filters are appropriate, they are enough for looking at the sun because, just regular old sunglasses — I've had my students ask me 'Oh, can't I just use sunglasses?' No. Sunglasses are not enough." 

The solar eclipse is a month away so there is still time to purchase proper eye wear. Just make sure the ISO logo and number are on the back of the glasses to ensure safety while enjoying the sun. 

To find out where you can purchase solar glasses of your own, NASA recommends the American Astronomical Society’s website. NASA also provides more on their website for when and where you can view the solar eclipse.

Corning Community College will also be hosting events leading up to the eclipse and an open house on the day of. More information will be provided on their website’s solar eclipse page.