Reusing Solar Eclipse Glasses: Safety and Sustainability
Now that the awe-inspiring solar eclipse of Monday, August 21, 2022, has passed, many people may have found themselves in possession of solar eclipse viewing glasses. For those lucky enough to witness this rare celestial event, there is no need to discard the protective eyewear just yet.
Solar Eclipse Glasses: A Safe and Reusable Investment
According to the American Astronomical Society (AAS), solar eclipse glasses that comply with a specific safety standard, ISO 12312-2, can be safely reused. This means that the same pair of solar eclipse glasses worn during the upcoming total solar eclipse in 2026, which will be visible over Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and a small portion of Portugal and appear as a partial eclipse in parts of Europe, Africa, and North America, will once again provide effective protection for your eyes.
Prolonging the Life Cycle of Solar Eclipse Glasses
To ensure that solar eclipse glasses remain in optimal condition for future use, they should be stored away from anything sharp that could potentially scratch or puncture the filters. If there’s any doubt about the safety of your solar eclipse glasses prior to the next eclipse, it is recommended that you discard them and invest in a new pair.
Disposing of Damaged Solar Eclipse Glasses: The Proper Way
If the lenses appear to be scratched, ripped, or punctured, or if the solar filter is detached from the frame, it is essential to dispose of these damaged glasses. The American Academy of Ophthalmology advises removing the lenses and recycling the cardboard frame.
Alternative Uses for Solar Eclipse Glasses: Educational Opportunities
If you are not planning on traveling to catch a glimpse of the upcoming solar eclipses, consider donating your used but undamaged solar eclipse glasses. There are organizations that collect these glasses with the intention of distributing them to schools and communities within the path of upcoming events.
Eclipse Glasses Collection: Making Science Accessible
For instance, Eclipse Glasses USA, a retailer of eclipse glasses endorsed by the American Astronomical Society, is collecting used but undamaged glasses to send to schools in Chile and Argentina that will be within the path where the October 2024 annular eclipse (also known as the “ring of fire”) will be visible.
The Power of Community: Astronomers Without Borders
Astronomers Without Borders, a nonprofit organization that collected over 2 million pairs of glasses following the 2017 total solar eclipse and distributed hundreds of thousands before the 2024 eclipse, is another organization with a growing list of drop-off locations for donations of gently used glasses.
Final Thoughts
The next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous United States is set to take place in 2044, over North Dakota and Montana. By practicing safe reuse of solar eclipse glasses or donating them to educational organizations, we can reduce waste, promote sustainability, and foster a love for science and astronomy.
Remember: the next solar eclipse is just around the corner. Keep your eyes protected, and stay curious!
