Solar eclipse in Oklahoma: The special glasses you'll need to view it
KOCO 5 Meteorologist Sabrina Bates shows what you need to look for on your glasses to make sure they're good to go
KOCO 5 Meteorologist Sabrina Bates shows what you need to look for on your glasses to make sure they're good to go
KOCO 5 Meteorologist Sabrina Bates shows what you need to look for on your glasses to make sure they're good to go
Mark your calendars because a total solar eclipse will be visible in Oklahoma on April 8, meaning you'll need a special pair of glasses to view it safely.
If you want to look at the solar eclipse at all, you'll want to make sure you have a special pair of glasses so you don't damage your eyes.
During the last solar eclipse in 2017, numerous retailers were selling counterfeit glasses. KOCO 5 Meteorologist Sabrina Bates shows what you need to look for on your glasses to make sure they're good to go.
Eclipse Glasses 101
The main thing you'll want to look for is an ISO logo on the glasses. It stands for the International Organization for Standardization, an organization that makes sure the glasses are safe.
And if you have old glasses from a previous eclipse and they're bent, ripped or scratched, you'll want to get a new pair.
Where to Find Glasses
A few places in the Oklahoma City metro will have glasses that you'll be able to use on April 8.
Along with major retailers like Walmart or Lowe's, Science Museum Oklahoma in OKC is a great resource for glasses. If you do shop around, make sure the glasses have the ISO logo.
DIY Glasses
There also are some fun eclipse-viewers you can make at home – and the kids love them.
Do-it-yourself glasses are great if you're not in the path of totality. You don't have to look directly at the sun with these, but you can see the shadow and how it changes.
One option is a pinpoint projector that you can make using a cereal box, foil, scissors and paper. The sun will shine through the small hole you create and see the shadow of the moon as it passes in front of the sun.
Another option is a colander that you find in your kitchen. When light shines through the colander's hole during the solar eclipse, you'll actually see the shadows that'll be looking differently.
More Solar Eclipse Coverage