The 2024 solar eclipse provided breathtaking views of totality in Texas, upstate New York, and northern New England, as well as interesting weather changes such as temperature drops and wind speed dips. Events like weddings and baseball games were also affected by the eclipse, and satellite imagery captured the moon's shadow passing over Earth. Additionally, the eclipse caused traffic jams and even affected bee behavior, making it a memorable and impactful event. As for leftover eclipse glasses, consider donating or recycling them for future use.
The American Astronomical Society advises that modern eclipse glasses don't expire and can be reused for future eclipses as long as they meet safety standards, or donated to organizations like Astronomers Without Borders and Eclipse Glasses USA to benefit others in need. If you choose to dispose of them, the cardboard frames can be recycled, but the lenses should be thrown in the trash.
If you missed the recent total solar eclipse, there are still upcoming opportunities to witness celestial events, including the next total solar eclipse in 2026 passing over Greenland, Iceland, and Spain, and the next U.S. totality in 2033 brushing Alaska and Russia. Other events include a partial lunar eclipse in September, meteor showers, and supermoons. Eclipse glasses can also be used to observe sunspots, and planetariums and science centers offer additional opportunities for space enthusiasts to learn and explore.
Staring directly at the sun during a solar eclipse can cause permanent eye damage, known as solar retinopathy, with symptoms including watery eyes, color distortion, headaches, and sensitivity to light. Proper eclipse glasses with a silver appearance on the front, black on the inside, and an ISO certification are crucial for protection. Cloudy weather does not provide safety from solar damage, so eye protection is essential regardless of the forecast.
Millions of Americans witnessed a rare total solar eclipse, with North Carolina experiencing 80 to 84 percent partial totality. People across the country, including those in Vermont and Niagara Falls, marveled at the celestial event. The Morehead Planetarium in North Carolina hosted a watch party, where attendees eagerly awaited the eclipse despite long lines for ISO-approved glasses. Safety precautions were emphasized, with experts recommending eclipse glasses from trusted manufacturers or the creation of pinhole cameras for safe viewing.
Illinois officials have urged the public to check their eclipse glasses after some brands, including the "Biniki Solar Eclipse Glasses AAS Approved 2024" sold on Amazon, were recalled for potentially not meeting safety standards. Amazon confirmed that the glasses were not yet vetted by AAS and offered refunds, and also reached out to customers who purchased glasses that might not have been sourced from a supplier on the American Astronomical Society’s approved list. Using inadequate eye protection to view the eclipse could lead to serious eye damage, and customers are advised not to use the recalled glasses for the upcoming eclipse on April 8.
The Illinois Department of Health has urged eclipse viewers to check their glasses after a brand was recalled for failing to meet safety standards. The recalled glasses, sold at several stores in Southern Illinois, were listed as "Biniki Solar Eclipse Glasses AAS Approved 2024 – CE & ISO Certified Safe Shades for Direct Sun Viewing." With thousands flocking to Southern Illinois to view the total solar eclipse, it's crucial to use certified eclipse glasses with the ISO designation of 12312-2 to safely watch the event and avoid severe eye injury.
Maine is one of the best spots to view the solar eclipse, with the moon beginning to move over the sun around 2:20 p.m. The total solar eclipse will start at 3:28 p.m., with the full totality lasting around 3 minutes and 22 seconds. The 115-mile-wide path of totality will cross northern New England, including places like Rangeley, Jackman, Carrabassett Valley, and Baxter State Park. It's important to use ISO-certified eclipse glasses and solar filters to protect your eyes, as viewing the solar eclipse without protective eyewear could cause lasting damage.
Experts advise against using cellphone cameras to take photos of the sun during a solar eclipse, as the intense light can damage the camera lens. Just as special glasses are recommended for eye protection, certified filters are available for both cellphone and larger cameras to protect the lenses. It's important to use designated solar filters and to avoid purchasing eclipse glasses from unreliable sources, such as online marketplaces, and instead opt for certified vendors recommended by the American Astronomical Society.
The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued a warning to residents to check their eclipse glasses following a recall of "Biniki Solar Eclipse Glasses AAS Approved 2024 – CE & ISO Certified Safe Shades for Direct Sun Viewing (6 Packs)" sold through Amazon. The recalled glasses, labeled as "EN ISO 12312-1:2022," should carry the ISO designation of 12312-2 for proper safety. Several Southern Illinois retailers have sold these glasses and have posted warnings on social media, advising customers to return the glasses for a full refund.
Bill Nye, the CEO of the Planetary Society, emphasized the importance of eclipse safety glasses for viewing the upcoming solar eclipse, describing them as 100,000 times darker than sunglasses. He encouraged people to fully experience the event and advised against using phones, urging everyone to be present in the moment. NASA estimates that 99% of people across the country will experience the solar eclipse either partially or completely, with the next total solar eclipses in North America not predicted to occur until 2044 and 2045.
Maine is in the path of totality for the April 8 solar eclipse, drawing thousands of visitors. State agencies are preparing for the influx and urging visitors to plan ahead. Traffic delays are expected, and schools are closing or releasing students early. Eclipse glasses are essential for safe viewing, and experts warn against viewing the eclipse without protection. Baxter State Park has restricted access and camping during the event, suggesting alternative viewing locations.
After the solar eclipse, consider donating your eclipse glasses to organizations like Astronomers Without Borders, which collects and redistributes them to underserved communities for future eclipses. Warby Parker is also collecting used glasses for donation. If you prefer to keep them, eclipse glasses never expire, and you can remove the lenses and recycle the cardboard frames. This helps reduce waste and ensures that others can safely view upcoming celestial events.
A total solar eclipse passed through Texas, causing excitement and concerns about traffic and fuel shortages. Scientists and citizens experienced totality, while photographers prepared for the perfect shot. Some eclipse glasses were recalled due to safety concerns, and thousands gathered at various locations in Dallas to witness the event. Despite cloudy skies, people across Texas and even from other countries eagerly awaited the rare celestial phenomenon.
The total solar eclipse moved across North America, with millions of people along the path of totality witnessing daylight turn to twilight as the moon blocked out the sun. Eclipse glasses were essential for safe viewing, and those unable to witness it in person could catch the event online through various livestreams, including coverage by Local News Live and NASA. Small rockets were launched from Virginia, and live coverage included telescope views of the sun, interviews with organizers and scientists, and high-altitude balloon experiments.
