How safe are your solar eclipse glasses? Cheap fakes from online marketplaces pose a threat, supply-chain experts say

& Adobe Stock Photo by Yao “Henry” Jin, Miami University and Simone Peinkofer, Michigan State University Americans from Maine to Texas are set for a rare treat on April 8, 2024, when a total solar eclipse will be visible across much of the U.S. In ancient times, eclipse-viewers thought they were watching the Sun be eaten by wolves, a dragon or a demon. Of course, we now know that the Sun isn’t really eaten during an eclipse. Instead, it does what it always does: rain ultraviolet rays on everything in its path. That’s why you should never look at a solar eclipse without protective eyewear. But not just any eyewear will do. To make sure that you enjoy the total solar eclipse safely, the American Astronomical Society has specifically warned against buying eclipse glasses at the lowest price from online marketplaces like Amazon or eBay. What gives? Why not save a buck on something you’ll use possibly just once for a few minutes? It turns out there’s a very good reason: Deceptive counterfeit products have infiltrated retail supply chains. And some of them can pose a threat to your health. Don’t trust. Verify.& Andrew Holt/The Image Bank via Getty Images...