HOUSTON — The much-anticipated solar eclipse is set to happen on April 8, 2024. While many people will run outdoors to catch a glimpse of the rare event, it is not safe to look directly at the sun without wearing protective eyewear.
THE QUESTION
Some vendors claim their shades are safe because they are certified by NASA. But does NASA do that? The VERIFY team looked into the claim.
When the moon passes between the sun and the Earth on April 8, the sky will go dark for approximately five minutes. If you live in the path of the eclipse, you will likely be able to see the sun’s corona. But NASA says it is not safe to look up without eye protection made for solar viewing.
Some online vendors, such as Solar Eclipse International, claim their glasses are approved by NASA. The description for a box of 50 says, the shades “surpass NASA’s stringent safety standards.”
But does NASA approve eyewear for solar viewing?
OUR SOURCE
Our source is NASA.
WHAT WE FOUND
The government agency tells the VERIFY team, “NASA does not endorse or certify any products. NASA does not respond to questions on the quality of products sold on the internet. Any glasses we hand out as part of our public events do comply with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.”
NASA included a link to the American Astronomical Society’s website suppliers of safe solar filters & viewers, which explains its product testing standards and lists suppliers who pass its inspection.
Solar Eclipse International is on the list.
But we can Verify, the claim that the glasses the company is selling are approved by NASA is false.
It is important to check that the protective eyewear you use for solar viewing is approved by the ISO.
The next eclipse is not expected to happen until the year 2044.