A man shows a pair of eclipse viewing glasses for a photograph, in Toronto, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Giordano Ciampini
Ahead of an upcoming rare celestial event, the demand for eclipse glasses is soaring in Eastern Canada. With a solar eclipse set to occur on April 8, many Canadians are eager to secure protective eyewear to witness the phenomenon safely. Retailers are struggling to keep up with the high demand, prompting experts to advise people to act quickly to acquire glasses to safeguard their eyesight.
The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, for instance, has been unable to offer eclipse glasses for sale online since mid-February. Executive director Jenna Hinds explained that the organization ordered 50,000 glasses last year and an additional 25,000 this year, but the demand still outstrips the available supply. She emphasized that total eclipses like this one are relatively rare in Canada, leading to a rapid sellout of glasses along the eclipse path.
There are concerns about the potential for people to purchase glasses that do not provide adequate protection or to resort to using inappropriate alternatives like sunglasses or welding glasses. Previous high demand during the 2017 partial solar eclipse led to the appearance of counterfeit and unsafe glasses on online platforms like Amazon. To ensure safety, Hinds stressed the importance of selecting glasses that meet the safety standard set by the International Organization for Standardization, which blocks nearly all high-intensity visible light to prevent eye damage.
During the eclipse on April 8, Canadians in areas experiencing totality will witness the sun shrinking to a sliver and disappearing completely behind the moon. While it will be safe to view this moment without glasses, protective eyewear is essential for observing the rest of the eclipse. NASA has provided details about the path of totality, which will traverse North America from Mexico's Pacific coast to Newfoundland's Atlantic coast.
To secure eclipse glasses, Hinds recommended using reputable websites like Discover the Universe or Eclipse Quebec to locate certified retailers. Additionally, many schools have glasses in stock for distribution, and some retailers and science organizations are selling them in person, despite online shortages. Organizations hosting viewing events may also provide glasses for free, although quantities are limited.
Overall, there has been significant excitement surrounding the eclipse, with some viewing events selling out rapidly. Hinds advised individuals to plan ahead and ensure they have access to appropriate eyewear for safe viewing. She emphasized the importance of ordering glasses promptly if they have not already been acquired.
