Parts of the US will experience a total solar eclipse this April — view it safely with the best ISO-compliant eclipse glasses
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On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will transform the daytime sky into something eerie and magical across large swaths of the US, Canada and Mexico. The moon will pass directly between the sun and Earth, briefly blocking out the sun’s rays and darkening the sky in the middle of the day.
NASA reports that some of the best places to see the solar eclipse stateside include Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Texas. Not surprisingly, the timing of the momentous event will vary widely based on where you are located.
For example, people in Evansville, Indiana, will experience the eclipse from 12:45 p.m. CDT to 3:20 p.m. CDT with maximum darkness at 2:04 p.m. CDT. Meanwhile, viewers in Burlington, Vermont, can see the eclipse from 2:14 p.m. EDT to 4:37 p.m. EDT with maximum darkness at 3:27 p.m. EDT. You can see viewing times for select US cities on NASA’s website.
The best eclipse glasses for the 2024 total solar eclipse
But regardless of where you view the eclipse, protecting your eyes is key to doing it safely.
According to NASA, you should wear a set of eclipse glasses that complies with the ISO 12312-2 international standard when viewing any solar eclipse. This is thousands of times darker than standard sunglasses.
Further, the agency notes that “viewing any part of the bright sun through a camera lens, binoculars or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury.”
With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the best and most protective solar eclipse viewing glasses you can order now and receive before the big event happens in April.
Celestron EclipSmart Safe Solar Observing & Imaging Kit
This solar eclipse viewing kit features premium glasses that meet ISO international safety standards, a solar-safe photo filter that makes it easier to capture incredible images with your smartphone and a 32-page educational book. This makes the set a good option for adults, teens or children who want to learn how a solar eclipse works and take photos they can remember the occasion by.
The viewing glasses themselves come with a fabric pouch for storage and safekeeping, and the plastic frame construction means they can be used over and over again.
Celestron 10x25 EclipSmart Solar Binoculars
This set of binoculars is made to enhance your view as you watch the solar eclipse take place. The filters on the binoculars meet ISO international safety standards, and you can view the eclipse in neutral tones while zooming in for spectacular details you might otherwise not see. In fact, the manufacturer of this set of binoculars says they feature 10x magnification. They're also made with weather-resistant rubber and have fold-down eyecups.
$44 at B&H Photo Video
$60 at Target
$44 at Walmart
Celestron EclipSmart Safe Solar Eclipse Telescope
Want an even closer look at the total eclipse? This telescope from Celestron has you covered. It's a 50mm solar telescope that's ISO-compliant, so you can see the eclipse bright and clear without hurting your eyes. It also includes accessories like a travel bag, 20mm eyepiece and a hybrid star diagonal.
$119 at Amazon
$121 at Best Buy
Celestron 2x EclipSmart Solar Observing Kit, 2-Pack
If you want to experience the eclipse but don't want to shell out for expensive binoculars, you can opt for this two-pack observation kit. This set meets ISO standards for safety with 2x magnification to help you see more details as the moon passes between the sun and Earth.
These solar eclipse binoculars are lightweight and easy to carry around with you all day. Most importantly, you’ll get the best protection from infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) light, as well as 99.999% of intense visible light, according to the manufacturer.
$13 at Best Buy
$17 at B&H Photo Video
SEIC Clip-On Frame Solar Eclipse Glasses
If you already wear glasses and want to view the solar eclipse without giving up the benefits of your prescription, consider this pair of clip-on solar eclipse glasses. These also meet ISO international standards for safety, and they even come with their own handy carrying case.
Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses
This two-pack from Soluna is ISO certified and tested to filter out 99.999% of intense visible light so you can gaze at the solar eclipse without breaking the bank. Those who used these for the last eclipse rated them highly for one-time use.
SEIC Plastic Frame Solar Eclipse Glasses, 5-Pack
These solar eclipse viewing glasses are worth considering if you want a slightly more stylish look and want to enjoy the event with the whole family since this set includes glasses for two adults and three kids. They feature a plastic frame and meet international safety standards set by the ISO. SEIC plastic frame glasses were also made to fit around regular prescription glasses, or they can be worn on their own.
Thousand Oaks Optical Solar Eclipse Glasses, 5-Pack
This simple pack of five cardboard glasses is ISO certified and has enough pairs to let your entire family enjoy the phenomenon safely. Amazon reviews note that the glasses worked well for the last eclipse, and the specs show they meet ISO requirements.
Helioclipse Solar Eclipse Viewing Glasses, 12-Pack
If you’re after a cheap set of solar eclipse viewing glasses for your whole family, this 12-pack of glasses from Amazon could fit the bill. They block the harmful UV and IR rays from the sun for under $2 per set of glasses.
Halo Eclipse Spectacles Solar Eclipse Glasses
If you're looking for a more luxurious option, check out this pair from Halo Eclipse Spectacles. They are ISO certified and come with multiple filters to eliminate blue light — and, of course, enough light to safely watch the eclipse. And since they're reusable, you can use these glasses for future eclipses.
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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