(WHTM)– The 2024 eclipse is just a few weeks away which means that if you are anywhere near the eclipse zone, you’ll want to buy eclipse glasses, but a warning about dangerous counterfeits.

Dean Regas is an internationally known astronomer. He’s getting his telescopes ready for the big day: April 8, when a full total eclipse will race across the country.

“100% so incredible,” he said.

Just as he did in 2017, the last full eclipse, he’s urging people to purchase inexpensive eclipse glasses, to protect their eyes.

“If any part of the sun is shining, even 1% of the sun is shining, that’s dangerous. It can really mess up your eyes,” he said.

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He says eclipse glasses are so inexpensive, about $5 for a pair, so it makes sense to order a few of them. But he says before you place that order, make sure you are getting the real thing. He warns that cheap counterfeit glasses sold online don’t provide enough protection.

Instead, he says to make sure your glasses say “ISO certified,” and ideally have a shiny front, which is the best quality.

Dean says if you are shooting video with your phone don’t point it at the sun for any length of time, he recommends a lens filter for the sun or holding a pair of eclipse glasses in front of it.

“You can take your glasses, put them in front of your lens, and take a picture that way,” he said.

Finally, if you find eclipse glasses sold out he says welder glass can also work. Just make sure you have some eye protection.

The good news is that eclipse glasses are cheap. The bad news is that counterfeits are even cheaper. So be careful so you don’t waste your money.

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