Where to get solar eclipse glasses last minute

Today (April 8), the moon will completely block the sun's disk, plunging parts of 15 U.S. states along the eclipse's path of totality into eerie darkness during the daytime. Meanwhile, viewers across the entire contiguous U.S. will be able to see a partial solar eclipse.

To view the partial phases of the eclipse, no matter where you are, you need to use protective eyewear such as solar eclipse glasses. Failure to do so could result in permanent eye damage, according to NASA.

If you still need a pair of certified solar eclipse glasses before the climax of the total solar eclipse in North America today, you may not be out of luck yet.

Where can I buy solar eclipse glasses in person today?

There are many local businesses that may still have solar glasses in stock today.

The American Astronomical Society (AAS) — the agency responsible for certifying that solar eclipse glasses meet safety regulations — has a list of stores that sell certified eclipse glasses. Try calling a store near you to see if any glasses are in stock. Participating stores include:

• Walmart: Solar eclipse glasses, binoculars and apparel 
• Lowe's: Solar eclipse glasses in-store
• Target: Discounted ISO-certified solar glasses
• Walmart: Solar glasses, binoculars and filters available
• Staples: Solar eclipse multipack available
• Best Buy: Solar glasses, viewers, telescopes and binoculars
• B&H Photo Video: Binoculars, glasses and telescopes
• Adorama: Solar glasses, filters, binoculars and cameras
• Meijer: Solar eclipse glasses and smartphone filters
• Kroger
• 7-Eleven
• Wegmans
• H-E-B
• Menards

To help avoid counterfeit glasses and scams today, make sure your eclipse glasses include an ISO logo on them to show they meet the international safety standard ISO 12312-2. Check your glasses for any scrapes or rips on the lenses, and try them out using a bright lamp at home before using them to look directly at the sun. You should only be able to see the dimmest speck of light from your lightbulb.

While it's likely too late to order a pair online, many brick-and-mortar businesses may still have eclipse glasses in stock today. In addition, hundreds of libraries and universities across the country have been doling out free pairs of glasses for the last several weeks and may still be able to hook you up.