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What kind of total solar eclipse glasses do I need?

Don't look up at the eclipse without these specific glasses!

INDIANAPOLIS — If you want to watch the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, you will need a special kind of glasses or lenses. 

The safety glasses are intended to protect your eyes from ultraviolet and infrared radiation. 

To verify that protection, the American Astronomical Society says you can check for a few things.

First, look for the ISO label. It should say ISO 12312-2. Sometimes, 2015 is added to the end. 

That is the company saying the lenses meet the safety standard.

Next, check to see if the vendor is listed on the AAS list of safe suppliers.

If the glasses are in your hand, both pieces of information can be found on the left arm.

If the glasses are not in your hands, you can still look them up. 

The AAS says if you do not see a vendor listed on the AAS solar eclipse website, it does not mean their products are unsafe. 

Credit: Allison Gormly
The proper eclipse glasses say ISO 12312-2. Sometimes, 2015 is added to the end.

"We list more than 100 sellers of solar viewers, but there are hundreds more –– especially on sites like Amazon, Etsy and eBay — and we can’t possibly vet them all," the site says.

Finally, test the lenses out ahead of time inside.

You should not be able to see anything through them.

Credit: Allison Gormly
You will need a special kind of glasses or lenses to watch the eclipse.

If they pass that test, grab your phone flashlight and shine it through the outside of the lenses. 

You should be able to see only a dim-looking dot.

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According to some manufacturers, glasses should be discarded and not used after three years. 

However, the AAS says glasses can be used indefinitely if they are "compliant with the transmittance requirements of the ISO 12312-2 safety standard, and if their filters aren't scratched, punctured, torn, coming loose from the frame, or otherwise damaged."

As for price, we found a 10 pack for under $20 on Amazon. 

If you are going to a viewing event, check to see if glasses are included in your ticket price before purchasing on your own.

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