Solar eclipse glasses are selling out like crazy — here's where you can still get them

pulse

August 11, 2017 7:23 PM

Where to buy NASA-approved solar eclipse glasses — or get them for free — before August 21.

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As August 21 nears, solar eclipse glasses are selling out across the US.

Retailers including REI, Walmart, and Best Buy have sold of their eclipse glasses online. Amazon still has glasses available through third-party retailers — but some are arriving after the big event.

Complicating matters is the fact that the market is being flooded with defective knockoffs. Watching the eclipse through glasses that aren't certified to protect your eyes can lead to serious damage.

Fortunately, the American Astronomical Society (AAS) has a full list of reputable brands and retailers.

"Your eyes are precious!" the AAS's website reads. "You don't need astronomers to tell you that, but you do need astronomers to tell you where to get safe solar filters: from the companies listed on this page."

There are ways to get free eclipse glasses, though stocks are running low. Libraries are giving away 2 million free glasses and NASA is handing out 1.5 million. Check out these maps showing where to get them — at libraries or NASA viewing events. Once you know which option is most convenient, check with local staff to see how to get free glasses.

If you're willing to spend money, museums, planetariums, and other science-centric organizations may be your best bet. The AAS has a long list of groups that are selling glasses.

Plus, there are the mainstream retailers selling the glasses.

Heres the list of retailers, according to the AAS:

Many of these stores are already sold out.

Fortunately, the AAS also has a list of online sites that are selling eclipse glasses. However, if you buy from this list, make sure to double check the brand is on the AAS-approved list — some vendors may be selling both safe and unsafe glasses.