Ensure Safe Viewing for Hawaii’s October 2nd Annular Eclipse

HAWAII, UNITED STATES. September 6th, 2024 – With anticipation growing for the annular solar eclipse on October 2nd, 2024, Eclipse Optics is committed to ensuring that eclipse watchers experience this spectacular event safely. 

As a leading provider of ISO-compliant solar eclipse glasses, Eclipse Optics emphasizes the importance of the ISO 12312-2:2015 standard for solar eclipse glasses, a crucial measure that guarantees the safety and effectiveness of its products and others like them.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 12312-2:2015 specifies the requirements for the safe direct viewing of the sun, addressing the needs of those who wish to observe solar eclipses or engage in sunspot viewing. This standard includes several critical safety parameters, such as optical density, transmittance of solar radiation, and requirements for filters used in eyewear designed for direct observation of the sun.

Eclipse Optics’ products are rigorously tested and certified to meet ISO 12312-2:2015 standards. This ensures that its glasses reduce the sun’s brightness, known as luminosity, to a safe and comfortable level, block harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation, and protect eyes from potential damage while providing a clear view of the eclipse.

As the October 2nd annular solar eclipse approaches, it’s crucial for observers to use only ISO-certified eclipse glasses. Non-compliant products can result in severe eye damage, including solar retinopathy, due to inadequate protection from the intense visible light and invisible radiation emitted by the sun. While not life-threatening, this damage can cause permanent blotches in one’s vision.

Further complicating the eclipse glasses market, some online vendors falsely claim ISO compliance for their eclipse-viewing products. These results should be readily available, and tests should have been conducted in an accredited US lab.

Additionally, results should clearly show quantitative testing values for luminosity, UV, and IR, reflecting actual performance measurements. Customers should beware of results listed simply as “pass” or “fail,” as they don’t indicate if the lens performance is on the high or low end of the safe range.

Eclipse Optics also recommends reviewing the American Astronomical Society’s (AAS) list of approved eclipse glasses vendors. Vendors on the AAS list have met their rigorous standards so customers should avoid purchasing glasses from vendors not on this list.

Eclipse Optics is proud to offer products that meet the highest safety standards. It encourages educators, astronomy clubs, and the public to prepare for this breathtaking event by securing their ISO 12312-2:2015-compliant solar eclipse glasses in advance.

In May 2024, Eclipse Optics, formerly Eclipse Glasses USA, donated 2,000 pairs of ISO certified eclipse glasses to the University of Hawaii in preparation for the October 2 eclipse.

ENDS