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There’s a solar eclipse coming up in April— are you ready?

On Monday, Apr. 8, a total solar eclipse will begin in Mexico, passing through Texas and ending in Maine. Even if you’re not in the eclipse’s direct path, you’ll have a chance to see a partial eclipse — but to view it safely, you’ll need eclipse viewing glasses.

According to NASA, a total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, which completely blocks the face of the sun and darkens the sky. If the weather allows, people in the path of the eclipse can view the sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, which you can’t usually see due to the brightness of the sun. Total solar eclipses occur every 1-2 years. 

April’s total solar eclipse will be visible in the U.S. along a narrow path traveling through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. But outside of the path, people will still be able to see a partial solar eclipse, where the moon covers part of the sun. That should be viewable everywhere in the U.S., as long as the sky is clear.

Shop this article: Lunt Solar Systems 10 Pack Premium, Solar Eclipse GlassesLunt Solar Systems 4-Pack Junior Size Eclipse Glasses and Lunt Solar Systems Magnification Sunoculars.

Don’t view the eclipse without glasses for safety

Whether you’re in the total eclipse’s path or just hoping to catch sight of a partial eclipse, you need eclipse viewing glasses — otherwise, viewing the eclipse can cause serious damage to your vision. 

10 pair of black and orange solar eclipse glasses with designs of an eclipse on them

Lunt Solar Systems 10-Pack Premium, Solar Eclipse Glasses

This 10-pack of premium solar eclipse glasses is NASA-approved for safe, direct-sun viewing during an eclipse. They filter out all of the sun’s ultraviolet and infrared rays, as well as 99% of its intense visible light.

More ways to safely view an eclipse

4 pair of small eclipse glasses with designs of the sun and space on them

Lunt Solar Systems 4-Pack Junior Size Eclipse Glasses

These kids’ size glasses are a must if you have kids who want to view the eclipse. They’re NASA-approved and certified for keeping eyes safe while viewing the sun.

1 set of blue binoculars with lenses that protect your eyes from the sun

Lunt Solar Systems Magnification Sunoculars

For a closer look, get these protective binoculars, which provide 8×32 magnification for the best view of the sun — and the eclipse — while still keeping your eyes safe.

5 pair of adult-size eclipse viewing glasses and 4 pair of kids-size eclipse viewing glasses

Solar Eclipse Glasses — 9 Family Pack Full Size and Kids Glasses

This family pack includes NASA-approved and certified viewing glasses in both kids and adult sizes, so you can make sure to protect your whole family’s eyes during the upcoming eclipse.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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