Total Solar Eclipse 2024: Make Sure You Have Real Glasses

Total Solar Eclipse Is Happening April 8, 2024

From NASA and USA Today

On Monday, April 8, 2024, North America will experience a total solar eclipse.  It will start over the South Pacific Ocean, and pass over Mexico, The United States and Canada.  This is a pretty big deal because we won't see another total solar eclipse until August 23, 2044.

The path of totality will cut across the country through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont and New Hampshire.

LOOK:  How To Watch The Solar Eclipse In Montana

What Kind Of Eclipse Viewing In Montana?

Time and Date says in Montana, we should see between 30% and 47% totality, depending on where you are in the state, and sky conditions that day, starting at around 11:37 that morning.

If It's Not A Total Eclipse, Do I Need Glasses?

Yes.  It's imperative that you protect your eyes no matter where you're viewing the eclipse, no matter what totality you're seeing. The light of an eclipse can burn out your retina permanently and even cause blindness.

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Where Can I Find REAL Eclipse Glasses?

The American Astronomical Society has a page dedicate to just that. Advice from their page:

" (look for) companies and organizations with which members of the AAS Solar Eclipse Task Force have had good experience as well as other companies and organizations that have demonstrated to our satisfaction that the products they're selling meet the safety requirements of the ISO 12312-2 international standard."

In 2017, many companies were caught selling sub-par glasses. To avoid getting an unsafe pair of eclipse glasses, make sure the vendor is on the AAS approved list.  Your eyes are worth the extra step.