As anticipation builds for the total solar eclipse due on April 8th, 2024, Eclipse Glasses USA is on a mission to guarantee the safe observation of this astronomical event. As the foremost distributor of ISO-compliant solar eclipse glasses, we highlight the criticality of the ISO 12312-2:2015 standard for solar viewing glasses, an essential criterion affirming the safety and effectiveness of our products and others in the same category.
The ISO 12312-2:2015 standard, established by the International Organization for Standardization, delineates the requisite specifications for safely observing the sun directly. This encompasses the requirements for individuals eager to witness solar eclipses or conduct sunspot observation. The standard includes vital safety considerations like optical density, the transmission of solar radiation, and the specifications for filters in eyewear designed for direct observation of the sun.
At Eclipse Glasses USA, our products undergo stringent testing to ensure compliance with the ISO 12312-2:2015 standards. This certification guarantees that our glasses not only reduce the sun’s luminosity to a safe and comfortable level but also block harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) rays, thus safeguarding your eyes from potential damage while offering a clear view of the eclipse.
As the date for the April 8th total solar eclipse draws near, it is paramount for viewers to use ISO-certified eclipse glasses exclusively. The use of non-compliant eyewear can lead to severe eye injuries, such as solar retinopathy, due to inadequate protection against the sun’s intense visible light and invisible radiation. This type of injury, while not typically life-threatening, can result in permanent vision impairment.
The market for eclipse glasses is further complicated by numerous online sellers falsely claiming their products are ISO-compliant when they fail to meet the required standards. Should there be any doubts, it is advisable to request the seller’s ISO testing documentation, which should be readily available from an accredited US laboratory.
Additionally, these documents should clearly display the specific testing values for luminosity, UV, and IR, indicating the exact performance measurements. Caution is advised with results that are simply marked as “pass” or “fail” without indicating whether the lens performance is at the higher or lower end of the safe range.
Consulting the American Astronomical Society’s (AAS) list of certified eclipse glasses vendors is also recommended. Vendors listed by the AAS have met the organization’s stringent approval criteria. Purchases should be avoided from vendors not included on this list.
Eclipse Glasses USA takes pride in offering products that adhere to the highest safety standards. We encourage educational bodies, astronomy groups, and the wider public to prepare for this once-in-a-century phenomenon by securing their ISO 12312-2:2015 compliant solar eclipse glasses well ahead of time.
