Where To Buy Legit Solar Eclipse Electronic Viewing Glasses Before April 8th

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our site, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

AT A GLANCE: The best solar eclipse glasses

On April 8, 2024, you may have the opportunity to experience an event completely out of this world — we're talking about a total solar eclipse. Crossing North America and passing over Mexico, the United States and Canada, the moon will pass between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the view of the Sun, and the sky will briefly darken as if it were dawn or dusk.

There are two to five solar eclipses each year, with a total eclipse occurring about every 18 months, so it may take a while to see the next one. One way to get the best viewing action possible is to 1) be in the “path of totality” area (where the moon's shadow completely covers the sun) and 2) get some shades. But you won't want to just grab a regular pair of sunglasses to take in the celestial phenomenon—you'll need the best solar eclipse glasses, which are relatively inexpensive but have specialized filters to block out dangerous UV light that can damage the eyes you.

What are the best solar eclipse glasses?

There are a lot of fake solar eclipse glasses out there, so safety is key here. According to NASA, you should look for eclipse glasses that comply with the international standard ISO 12312-2. These lenses are thousands of times darker than regular sunglasses and block out all but a fraction of the sun's UV and IR radiation.

You'll want to make sure you're buying safe, approved glasses from reputable companies. Fortunately, the American Astronomical Society (AAS) has put together a list of vetted vendors who make sure your glasses check two boxes: they meet ISO safety standards (with confirmed test results) and they're honest about what they can (and can ) their glasses t) do.

Want to get the clearest view without harming those users? We've found some of the best ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses you can buy online, as well as where you can find the best views. Some of our picks are even eligible for free Amazon Prime one-day shipping. Aren't you prime minister? Click here to get a free 30-day trial.

1. Celestron 3-Piece EclipSmart Safe Solar Observing & Imaging Kit

This is a great alternative to the flimsiest paper glasses you can find everywhere — these premium EclipSmart sunglasses feature a durable plastic frame for a comfortable fit and plastic lenses with Solar Safe film that meets international ISO safety standards. A special solar-safe filter is included for taking stunning still photos and videos of the eclipse with your smartphone, DSLR or point-and-shoot camera without damaging the photo sensor. It also comes with a handy reference book filled with resources like a detailed eclipse map and city-by-city schedules.

2. SEIC Solar Eclipse Glasses

If you already wear prescription glasses, you already know the struggle of trying to fit additional filters like 3D glasses to the movies — but this pair of clip-on solar eclipse glasses solves that awkward layering of the problem. These also meet international ISO safety standards and even come with their own convenient carrying case.

3. Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses

If you're looking for the value factor of paper shades, this two-pack from Soluna uses a scratch-resistant lens that's ISO certified and tested to filter out 100% of harmful UV and 100% of harmful infrared, and 99.999% of intense visible light — all for under $20. If you want to see the eclipse safely without breaking the bank, these are a highly rated option for a reason.

4. Helioclipse Solar Eclipse Viewing Glasses 12-Pack

Want to throw a solar eclipse viewing party or just need enough glasses to get the whole family going? This cheap 12-pack of glasses from Amazon comes in the clutch — they block 100% of the sun's harmful UV and IR rays, meet ISO 12312-2 certification safety standards, and cost less than $2 per set of glasses .

5. SEIC Solar Eclipse Plastic Frame Glasses

If you're looking for a sturdier (and more stylish) option for prime-time eclipse viewing, these solar eclipse glasses feature a plastic frame and meet ISO international safety standards. While their design is large enough to fit and wrap around regular glasses, they can also be worn on their own. They're also durable enough to toss in a bag without worrying about them getting crushed or scratched like a paper frame.

6. Halo Solar Eclipse Glasses

Looking for an option worthy of the hype for that rare special event? This pair of Halo Eclipse glasses are ISO certified and feature multiple filters beyond what you'll find in regular viewing glasses. As well as the obvious eclipse tracking lens, these are also equipped with a blue light blocking frame and UV500 polarized sunglass lenses, making them ideal for use as regular sunglasses (or saving up for future eclipses).

When and where will the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse occur?

According to NASA, the first place you'll be able to see the 2024 total solar eclipse is the Pacific coast of Mexico at 11:07 a.m. PT. It will then enter the US starting in Texas and moving through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Canada will be able to see the eclipse in southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. Finally, the total solar eclipse will exit North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada at approximately 5:16 p.m. NDT. You can see showtimes for select US cities at NASA website.

If you're in one of these locations, you'll be able to see the path of totality, and that means you'll need to look at the sky with proper protection or you could do some serious damage to your eyes. The agency notes that “viewing any part of the bright sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or telescope without a special-use solar filter secured