Those solar eclipse glasses you bought on Amazon might not protect your eyes after all
With a week until 2017's much-anticipated total solar eclipse, Amazon has recalled several eclipse glasses sold on its site over concerns they may not have come from trusted manufacturers.
Since the rare phenomenon is unsafe to view with the naked eye, many eager people hoping to safely catch a glimpse of the moon passing in front of the sun purchased protective eyewear in advance.
However, as Oregon broadcaster KGW reported, in some cases, those who purchased the glasses from Amazon recently received email from the company recalling glasses from certain third-party vendors. Amazon is also offering full refunds for recalled products.
SEE ALSO: You can do some really cool science during the total solar eclipse
In a statement, Amazon said the decision was made out of "an abundance of caution" and that purchasers of affected glasses were notified last week:
The company also noted to KGW that anyone who purchased glasses from the manufacturers in question received an email, but for those still concerned here's how to tell if your eclipse glasses or solar viewers are safe.
Got the email from Amazon today about the solar eclipse glasses I bought. pic.twitter.com/U4aLkt67xM
— Neil Steiner (@neilsteiner4) August 12, 2017
While the recalls and refunds were much appreciated, with the Aug. 21 event fast-approaching, some who purposely bought their glasses in advance can't help but be bummed out over Amazon's oversight.
Just got an email that our solar eclipse glasses I bought months ago may not be safe and now they're sold out everywhere...
— Julia Bacon (@missjuliabacon) August 13, 2017
Received email from @amazon this morn:
my solar eclipse glasses not NASA apprvd.
Don't use. Cred my acct.
Now none avail!
Bad bus. JustCYA— bloginthewheel🌹Life (@bloginthewheel) August 12, 2017
Though the recall is last minute, have no fear. You can find a list of reputable eclipse glasses and viewers vendors here, and NASA also released an educational DIY video teaching us all how to create a pinhole camera from a cereal box. This way the eclipse can be viewed safely, even without Amazon-purchased eyewear.