As someone who enjoys observing astronomical events, I understand the importance of proper eye protection when it comes to viewing solar eclipses. Solar eclipse glasses are essential gear to experience this natural phenomenon safely, without risking permanent eye damage or even blindness.
Related: Everything you need to know about the total solar eclipse of 2024
There are various options available in the market, each with its unique features and specifications. Some of the top picks include Rainbow Symphony Solar Eclipse Glasses, American Paper Optics Solar Eclipse Safety Glasses, and the Celestron EclipSmart binoculars.
In this article, we will explore some of the best solar eclipse glasses and their key specs to help you find the perfect eyewear to protect your eyes during a solar eclipse. There are recommendations from NASA and the American Astronomical Society to guide us in choosing safe and effective solar-viewing glasses.
In my experience, there are various solar protection filters available that provide optimal shielding from ultraviolet, infrared, and visible light. I recommend using ISO-certified solar filters, specifically ISO 12312-2, to ensure safe viewing of the sun.
Best Overall: Rainbow Symphony Solar Eclipse Glasses
As a fan of solar eclipses, I appreciate the importance of using high-quality solar eclipse glasses for safe and enjoyable viewing experiences. One of the best options I have come across is Rainbow Symphony’s Eclipse Glasses.
These glasses have several features that make them stand out: The glasses meet the ISO 12312-2:2015 standard for solar viewing, ensuring they provide protection from harmful rays. Offers both paper and plastic options. The plastic version can even fit over prescription glasses.
The glasses also feature a scratch-resistant coating and claim to block 100% of harmful UV rays, 100% of harmful infrared rays, and 99.99% of intense visible light. Several users have reported these glasses to be effective and comfortable, though somewhat expensive considering their plastic construction.
In case you plan to watch the 2024 total solar eclipse with friends or children, this bundle can be a cost-effective option. You can safely store the plastic pair for future events like next year’s total eclipse.
Additionally, Rainbow Symphony offers wrap-around goggles as an alternative option. By choosing these glasses, you can view solar events with confidence, knowing they provide safety and clarity.
Best Budget: American Paper Optics Solar Eclipse Safety Glasses
As a budget-friendly option, I find the American Paper Optics Solar Eclipse Glasses to be a great choice for safe solar viewing. These glasses boast:
- Protection: 2 mil scratch-resistant polymer lenses that filter out 100% of harmful UV and infrared rays, and 99.999% of intense visible light.
- Image quality: Sharp solar images with a natural orange color, thanks to their premium eclipse filters.
- Certification: Compliance with ISO and CE standards ensuring direct solar viewing safety.
In summary, my experience with American Paper Optics Solar Eclipse Safety Glasses has been positive, providing secure and enjoyable viewing on a budget. Additionally, some people might dispose of them after a single use due to their fragile nature.
I found that there are various pack sizes, ranging from 1 to 1,000 pairs, and these products are made of Paper 3 material. The best magnification is not mentioned.
Best Binoculars: Celestron 10×25 EclipSmart
Binoculars are an essential tool for observing celestial events such as solar eclipses, and the Celestron 10×25 EclipSmart Solar Binoculars are an excellent option for this purpose. These compact binoculars are specifically designed for safe solar viewing, making them an essential accessory for eclipse chasers and solar enthusiasts.
They come equipped with ISO-certified solar filters, ensuring that your eyes are protected from harmful rays while observing the Sun. The 10x magnification provides a detailed and magnified view of solar phenomena such as sunspots or eclipses.
The compact size of these binoculars makes them perfect for grab-and-go situations, allowing you to quickly and easily take them with you on your adventures. Furthermore, despite their small size, these binoculars deliver impressive image quality and contrast, ensuring that you can enjoy clear and detailed views of the Sun anytime.
