Storm Team4 Meteorologist (and Science Teacher!) Ryan Miller explains how solar eclipse glasses filter sunlight and home items you can use as alternatives.
The countdown to April’s solar eclipse is on and so is the search for special solar-filtering glasses.
Rather than hunting last-minute online or frantically messaging your group chat for spare solar eclipse glasses, you can plan ahead for Monday, April 8, like a pro eclipse chaser.
What will the solar eclipse look like in D.C., Maryland and Virginia? The moon is expected to cover the sun at about 87% at maximum eclipse in the D.C. area at about 3:20 p.m. But without the special glasses, not much will be visible, according to Storm Team4 Meteorologist Amelia Draper.
“It’s not really going to change here; we could have some shadows. But for the most part, it’s going to be unnoticeable. That’s right, unnoticeable unless you have those special glasses,” Draper said.
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You could risk a severe eye injury if you view an eclipse without special glasses or a handheld solar viewer, according to NASA. The concentrated solar rays will be so strong that they can burn the inside of your eyeball, just like a sunburn an optometrist told CNBC. Ouch!
Be careful to avoid purchasing eclipse glasses online to avoid fakes and counterfeits. The American Astronomical Society maintains a list of reputable solar eclipse glasses that have UV-blocking filters. They advise against searching for the glasses on Amazon, eBay or Temu.
“Staring at a partial solar eclipse for more than a few seconds at a time, even through perfectly safe solar viewers, isn’t much fun anyway,” the American Astronomical Society said in a warning about counterfeit and fake eclipse glasses.
What about regular sunglasses? Safe solar glasses are “at least 1,000 times darker” than regular sunglasses, the society said.
It's also recommended to wear eye protection for the entirety of a partial solar eclipse.
Here’s where to find solar eclipse glasses in D.C. Maryland and Virginia:
Where to find solar eclipse glasses in DC
DC Public Library: Starting April 1, D.C. residents can pick up eclipse glasses at their local library branch. The free eclipse glasses are available while supplies last until April 8.
“Get your solar shades on!” @dcpl wrote on X.
National Air and Space Museum, National Mall: The museum will offer free eclipse glasses on the first floor left of the museum store until Sunday, April 7. Distribution times are noon to 4 p.m. Timed-entry tickets are required to enter the museum.
There will be no eclipse glass hoarding here. “One pair of glasses per family or individual," according to the museum's website. The museum's store will also have eclipse glasses available for purchase.
Smithsonian Museums, National Mall: If free glasses run out, the following museums will have three pairs of solar eclipse glasses for $6: the National Museum of African Art, National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Museum of American History, National Museum of the American Indian, National Museum of Asian Art, National Museum of Natural History, National Postal Museum and Hirshhorn Museum.
The above map shows libraries participating in the Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries program that may have free eclipse glasses.
Where to find solar eclipse glasses in Virginia
Arlington County Central Library, Arlington: Pick up solar eclipse glasses during the “Solar Eclipse Extravaganza” on Saturday, April 6. Attendees will learn about NASA’s Eclipse Soundscapes and craft their own Eclipse Pinhole Viewer.
David M. Brown Planetarium, Arlington: Snag free eclipse glasses before “Lights Out! Eclipses: Whys, Wonders and Wows” on April 6 and 7. The kid-friendly show will explore the fascinating science stories and wonderous changes that occur during eclipses.
National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly: Between noon to 4 p.m., free solar eclipse glasses will be available across from the John F. Plueger Family Welcome Center. The museum's store will also have them available for purchase.
Virginia State Parks, various locations: Solar-viewing glasses will be sold for $1 plus tax at all 42 state parks in the state.
Where to find solar eclipse glasses in Maryland
Warby Parker, various locations: The eyeglass store is helping customers see the solar eclipse by offering free and ISO-certified eclipse glasses at all stores. Find a location here.
College Park Aviation Museum: During the eclipse viewing event on Monday, the museum will hand out eclipse glasses as long as supplies last. The event and glasses are free.
Montgomery County Public Library: Several libraries will host events and give out free glasses. To find an eyewear giveaway near you, search "eclipse" then select relevant dates on the events calendar webpage.
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More into DIY projects? Here's how to make a box pinhole protector at home.
This article will be updated with additional places to find solar eclipse glasses.
