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The countdown is on! Arriving soon on Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will pass over portions of the United States, Mexico and Canada - will you be lucky enough to see it? In fact, this will be the last total solar eclipse that can be seen from the contiguous U.S. until 2044.
If you’ve never experienced a total solar eclipse, this happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking out the sun. Viewers may also see a “diamond ring”, a bright white halo around the outline of the moon, before totality (which is when the moon completely blocks out the sun).
I’ve been getting some major FOMO looking at some of the amazing solar eclipse photography and even in-flight videos. I’ll be highlighting a few ways you can prepare ahead of time to get the best views, snap beautiful photos, and throw the best viewing party. You'll need to act fast to account for shipping times - if you haven't purchased any solar eclipse viewing glasses or smartphone lens yet (especially if you aren't in the path of totality), be sure to check out our list below for a few options. If you order within the next couple of days, you'll still be able to receive your eclipse glasses in time for the April 8th solar eclipse event.
Where Can You Watch The April 2024 Total Eclipse?
According to NASA, the total solar eclipse will begin over the South Pacific Ocean, and the first region to experience totality is Mexico’s Pacific coast around 11:07 a.m. Pacific. 15 U.S. states are in the path of totality with a path about 115 miles wide, with major cities in the path including Dallas and Indianapolis, while viewers in 48 contiguous U.S. states will see a partial solar eclipse.
In some locations (like parts of Texas, Arkansas, and Missouri), the “supermoon” will block out the sun for more than four minutes - two minutes longer than the last solar eclipse in the U.S. in 2017.
What Are Solar Eclipse Glasses?
The only safe way to view the full or partially-eclipsed sun is through solar filters (eclipse glasses) or handheld solar viewers. These special-purpose filters must meet the safety requirements of ISO 12312-2. The sun emits potentially harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR), and looking at the sun wearing anything that isn’t specially designed to deal with both the visible light and invisible radiation could cause major injury, including blindness.
According to The Planetary Society, solar eclipse glasses are made of black polymer, a flexible resin infused with carbon particles that are about 100,000 times darker than ordinary sunglasses and block nearly all visible light (as well as UV and IR).
Smartphone lens filters will allow you to view the eclipse through your phone lens without it appearing as just a regular sun, or potentially damaging your lenses. For more tips and tricks on how to take the best photos during an eclipse, we found this particular resource helpful.
You cannot use regular glasses to see the solar eclipse - you must get glasses that are specially designed to block out the sun’s rays. Viewing any part of the sun through a camera, binoculars or a telescope without a special solar filter can cause an immediate severe eye injury.
Where To Buy Solar Eclipse Glasses
When you look to buy your eclipse-viewing glasses, make sure the distributor you choose has the proper accreditation. American Paper Optics was a highly recommended brand by our meteorologists. You should also expect to see the proper labeling on the inside of each pair of glasses.
“Be really careful when buying from any third-party sellers,” says The Weather Channel’s on-camera meteorologist, Danielle Banks. “Make sure the glasses meet the proper safety standards so you don’t hurt your eyes.” So to ensure any solar eclipse glasses that you buy have actually been tested and proved to meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standards, be sure to check out this helpful suppliers page compiled by American Astronomical Society. We’ve also sourced some best-sellers that appear on the list below.
Shopping options:
Solar Eclipse Glasses Options
1. Amazon: Solar Eclipse Glasses AAS Approved 2024
Price: $9.99 for 2-pack at Amazon
These have been made by American Paper Optics and are ISO-compliant by the American Astronomical Society, according to the company page. They are certified for direct sun viewing. Over 90,000 have been purchased in the past month.
2. Amazon: Solar Eclipse Glasses AAS Approved 2024 (6-Pack)
Price: $13.95, was $25.95 at Amazon
American Paper Optics is one of the most widely recognized brands when it comes to the eclipse glasses. These Helioclipse solar eclipse six-pack of glasses are a much cheaper option if you don’t care for a plastic frame and need to buy in bulk for the entire family. According to the company page, these glasses are ISO and CE certified for direct solar viewing, filtering out harmful UV and infrared rays and are ISO 12312-2 compliant.
- Other option: VisiSolar Solar Eclipse Glasses - CE and ISO certified, $10 at Walmart for pack of two
3. Favorite Kit: American Paper Optics Solar Snap Eclipse App Kit
Price: $16.99 at B&H Photo
If you prefer a more economical set of glasses along with a phone protectant, this American Paper Optics app kit could be just what you’re looking for. It comes with two pairs of safety glasses, two smartphone lens filters and access to the Eclipse Photo App. This can be used by iOS and Android users.
4. Smartphone Filters: VisiSolar Smartphone Solar Imaging Photo Lens
Price: $6.99, was $8.99 at Amazon
These VisiSolar Smartphone Photo Filters are optimized for your phone to capture the solar effect in your photography, and will protect your smartphone camera from harmful rays according to the company page. Please note that you cannot look directly at the solar eclipse through your phone with this filter, it can cause permanent eye damage if you are not wearing the correct solar eclipse glasses.
5. Camera Filters: Solar Photography Filters
Depending on your camera type, size and shutter speed, be sure to check out the different options at B&H Photo for highly-rated solar eclipse photography filters.
Note: These are not designed for safe direct viewing of the sun. You should only use these along with the live view feature of a camera, do not look through the lens.
Solar Eclipse April 2024 Party Supplies
If travel isn’t on your list this year, and even if you’re in the states that will only see a partial eclipse, that doesn’t mean you can’t throw one of the most fun (and nerdiest) watch parties around.
1. 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Cats T-Shirt
Price: $19.99 at Amazon
Personal review: My cat-loving coworker has purchased two of these shirts, and is wearing it to The Weather Channel offices in celebration of the upcoming solar eclipse. She mentioned it was a very nice, thick fabric and it washed well.
- 100% cotton
- Machine washable
- Available in men, women and youth sizes
2. Personalized Solar Eclipse 2024 Ornament
Price: $11.99 at Amazon
- Small business owned
- Customizable with names, dates or special messages
- Made from sustainable birch wood
3. Black Space With Solar Eclipse Round Tablecloth
Price: $12.99 at Amazon
- 60-inch polyester tablecloth
- Machine washable with low-temperatures
- Suitable for indoor or outdoor use
4. 50 Guest Galaxy Party Supplies
Price: $33.99 at Amazon
- Serves 50 guests - comes with large and small paper plates, napkins, and forks
- Made from paper and plastic
5. Cheerland Moon and Star Party Decorations
Price: $12.99, was $16.99 at Amazon
- Three strings of 13 feet star and moon garlands (total 39 feet)
- Made from card paper and string
6. Ozark Trail Basic Mesh Chair
Price: $13.98 at Walmart
- Weight capacity: 225 pounds
- Made from polyester fabric and mesh, steel frame
- Built-in cup holder
7. Inflatable Moon Costume for Adults
Price: $62.98 at Walmart
- Comes with integrated fan and battery pack (batteries sold separately)
- Made from windbreaker material
8. Skip’s Galaxy Cornhole Board Set
Price: $296.21 at Walmart ($256.21 with no accessories)
- Comes with two cornhole boards and eight bags
- Dyed with UV-resistant inks
- Comes with lights
Popular Solar Eclipse April 2024 Travel Destinations
Dallas, Texas
Not only is Dallas in the path of totality, there’s tons of events planned throughout the city, including watch parties starting Friday, April 5 through the eclipse itself. There are a host of places to visit, including art festivals, botanical gardens, aquariums, museums and more.
Hotel options:
- Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel
- JW Marriott Dallas Arts District
- Dallas Marriott Downtown
Indianapolis, Indiana
Where better to enjoy your solar eclipse experience than in the self-proclaimed “Racing Capital of the World”? In the middle of the path of totality, Indianapolis will see the solar eclipse for up to three minutes and 46 seconds, starting at 3:06 p.m.
The city will boast a number of weekend-long parties, games and special events, with viewing areas at the White River State Park and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Hotel options:
- Hampton Inn Indianapolis Downtown
- Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites
- Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis West-Speedway
Honorable Mention: Little Rock, Arkansas
If you prefer music venues to hotel rooftops and planetariums, Little Rock, Arkansas will be hosting a three-day concert series during the solar eclipse weekend. There’s plenty to see and do, visiting state parks and art museums.
It is, however, one of the shortest totality durations at approximately 2 minutes and 20 seconds of daytime darkness.
Honorable Mention: Buffalo, New York
The moon’s shadow will be moving southwest towards northeast in Buffalo, New York, with the partial eclipse beginning around 2 p.m. and totally beginning at 3:15 p.m. (depending on location). Totality will last around three minutes and 46 seconds.
Tons of visitors are already booking hotels and visits to Niagara Falls State Park. You’ll definitely need to act fast if you’re interested in booking a trip to see the solar eclipse. You can find other events happening in the area at the Buffalo Niagara visitor page. The only caution when visiting Buffalo (compared to other cities and states within the totality strip) is that poor weather visibility could impact your view, especially if it’s cloudy.
Prices accurate and product in stock at time of publish.
