Science
What should you do with your used solar eclipse glasses?
Are you wondering what to do with your eclipse glasses now that the April 8 total solar eclipse has come and gone?
The nonprofit group Astronomers Without Borders (AWB) has partnered with libraries, schools, museums, Businesses and other organizations across the U.S. and Canada to collect and recycle gently used eclipse-viewing glasses. The glasses will be sent to underserved communities and schools around the world to use during future solar eclipses, according to a statement from the organization.
"This one-of-a-kind program helps to bring eclipse glasses to people who may not otherwise have a safe way to view the eclipse directly," AWB officials said in the statement. "AWB is committed to continue sending glasses to those who need them for outreach and educational programs around the world."
Related: Here are the best photos of the April 8 total solar eclipse over North America
On Monday (April 8), a total solar eclipse passed over Mexico, 15 U.S. states and Canada. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, casting a shadow on our planet's surface. For those in the path of totality, the moon appears almost exactly the same size as the sun, so it blocks the entire solar disk for a few minutes. However, solar eclipse glasses are needed to safely view the sun during the partial phases of an eclipse.
Millions of solar eclipse glasses were used by viewers across North America, and now AWB wants to prevent them from unnecessarily ending up in landfills. Every pair of glasses donated will be inspected by trained volunteers to make sure they meet safety certifications and are not damaged or counterfeit, according to the statement.
One of AWB’s donation partners is Warby Parker, a prescription glasses retailer, which will use over 240 retail locations across the U.S. to collect used eclipse glasses through April 30. Other donation locations include Vessel Refillery FW in Indiana, Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful and Twinsburg Public Library in Ohio, and Montshire Museum of Science and Chittenden Solid Waste District in Vermont. The latest list of AWB collection partners can be found online.
-
Science18h ago
We Still Don’t Fully Understand Time
-
Science1d ago
No, the James Webb Space Telescope probably didn't detect signs of alien life — but it soon could
-
Science1d ago
'You certainly don't see this every day': Ultra-rare backward-spinning tornado formed over Oklahoma
-
Science1d ago
Asteroid that exploded over Berlin was fastest-spinning space rock ever recorded
-
Science2d ago
Enormous 'San Andreas fault' on Saturn's moon could help reveal signs of alien life
-
Science2d ago
'We were amazed': Scientists find hidden structure in nebula captured by James Webb telescope
-
Science2d ago
Sun's chaotic peak triggers record-breaking 'global auroras' on Mars
-
Science2d ago
What would happen if the moon disappeared tomorrow?