After 26 years of waiting, thousands of people gathered outside to view the total solar eclipse that occurred on Monday, August 21st. The last total solar eclipse that occurred in July of 1991 was a disappointment to many, as it could only be seen from Hawaii and Mexico, Hawaii’s view being mostly obstructed by clouds.

 

Despite this excitement, the strength of the sun’s rays prevented many from enjoying the view this year, as special glasses sold out quickly across the country. Here in Erie, a line formed across the Bayfront as many hoped to snag a pair before totality occurred around 2:30 that afternoon. For those who were not as lucky to get a chance, there is hope! The next solar eclipse is only seven years away. Scientists say that April 8, 2024 will be the next one.

 

Looking at the sun is never safe. Amanda Fritz of the Washington Post advised readers, “Depending on the sky conditions, it only takes about a minute and a half for your eyes to be permanently damaged, and the damage is cumulative, meaning you don’t have to stare at the sun without looking away for it to be harmful — you may just be taking quick glances, but it’s still damaging your eye.”

 

With this knowledge, people are going to be able to prepare in advance for the next one, and they have seven years to do so. When purchasing a pair of glasses, it is important to realize that there are many fake pairs of glasses on the market, aimed at people who do not know what to look for in a pair of solar eclipse glasses.

 

The only kind you should get should be approved by the International Organization for Standardization, or ISO. These glasses will have “ISO 12312-2:2015” on the inside of the temple. These glasses contain filters that, according to the ISO website, are made for “direct observation of the sun.”

 

Many big box retailers like Lowes, Best Buy and Target offered glasses this year and were relatively affordable at about $3 a pair. If you are unable to afford a pair, many public libraries and NASA viewing centers offered free glasses this year. If you were lucky enough to get a pair for 2017’s solar eclipse, you can reuse them unless the lenses are scratched or damaged in any way. As we get closer to April 2024, keep your eyes and ears open for good deals.

 

And remember, it is never safe to look directly into the sun.