Creative Ways to Reuse Your Solar Eclipse Glasses

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Now that Monday’s stunning celestial event has passed, many individuals in North America might discover their eclipse glasses scattered around their homes.

For those lucky enough to see the rare solar event, there's no need to throw away your gently used solar eclipse glasses.

According to the American Astronomical Society, eclipse glasses that meet the safety standard ISO 12312-2 can be safely reused. This means that the same glasses you used during the 2024 total solar eclipse will provide effective protection during the next total solar eclipse in 2026. This upcoming eclipse will be visible over Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and a small part of Portugal, and will appear as a partial eclipse in certain parts of Europe, Africa, and North America.

The glasses can protect your eyes during the next total solar eclipse in 2044, which will be visible from parts of the United States like North Dakota and Montana.

Dr. Kerry Hensley, editor of AAS Nova and the society’s deputy press officer, recommended storing eclipse glasses away from sharp objects that could damage the filters. If there are any doubts about the safety of your glasses by the time of the next eclipse, it's better to dispose of them and get a new pair.

On April 8, 2024, in Carbondale, Illinois, a total eclipse was witnessed by people gathered on the campus of Southern Illinois University. Visitors from all over the country came to the campus to witness this rare celestial event. Similar scenes were reported in other cities across the country that were in the path of totality, with tourists flocking to witness the phenomenon.

CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS - APRIL 08: People view the start of the total eclipse on the campus of Southern Illinois University on April 08, 2024 in Carbondale, Illinois. People have travelled from around the country to the campus to view the rare celestial phenomenon. Cities around the country that are in the path of totality are experiencing a similar influx of tourists. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Scott Olson/Getty Images

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If you notice any scratches, rips, or punctures on your eclipse glasses, or if the solar filter is no longer attached to the frame, do not use them again. It is important to dispose of damaged or scratched solar eclipse glasses properly. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends removing the lenses and recycling the cardboard.

Using water or liquid glass cleaner to clean the lenses is not recommended by the American Astronomical Society. This can damage the cardboard and result in the lenses detaching.

Although certain glasses may have a warning to be discarded after three years, the society clarifies that this warning is outdated and does not apply to eclipse glasses that meet safety standards.

If you have solar eclipse glasses and don't plan on traveling to see the next eclipse, you can donate them to organizations that will give them to people in the path of future eclipses.

Eclipse Glasses USA is currently gathering used but undamaged eclipse glasses approved by the American Astronomical Society. These glasses will be sent to schools in Chile and Argentina, where the October 2024 annular eclipse, also known as the “ring of fire,” will be visible.

Astronomers Without Borders, a nonprofit organization, is also collecting gently used glasses for redistribution. After the 2017 total solar eclipse, they collected over 2 million glasses and distributed hundreds of thousands before the 2024 eclipse. They have a growing list of drop-off locations for donations.

Editor's P/S:

The article underscores the importance of preserving solar eclipse glasses for future celestial events. By adhering to safety standards and proper storage techniques, eclipse glasses can endure multiple uses, providing continued protection for eyes during total solar eclipses. The article emphasizes the significance of recycling and donating eclipse glasses to organizations that distribute them to communities in the path of future eclipses. This collective effort ensures that everyone has the opportunity to witness these awe-inspiring astronomical phenomena safely and sustainably.

Furthermore, the article highlights the upcoming total solar eclipses in 2024 and 2044, providing information on their visibility and encouraging readers to plan their viewing experiences. It also educates on proper disposal of damaged or expired eclipse glasses, emphasizing the importance of eye safety and environmental responsibility. Overall, the article serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking to reuse or donate their eclipse glasses, while also raising awareness about the wonders of celestial events and the importance of protecting our eyes during their observation.