Tom Bailey

Memphis Commercial Appeal

Bill Nye "the Science Guy'' is helping promote the sales of millions of glasses made by Bartlett-based American Paper Optics for the upcoming total solar eclipse, the company has announced.

Nye is a science educator and mechanical engineer who starred in the 1993-98 PBS series "Bill Nye the Science Guy'' and now has a new Netflix series called "Bill Nye Saves the World.''

Nye, also chief executive of the Planetary Society, will help raise awareness and promote eye safety for the total solar eclipse on Aug. 21.

American Paper Optics has manufactured "Bill Nye the Science Guy'' eclipse glasses to be used as safety education tools at schools, planetariums, science centers and retailers.

The deeply shaded paper glasses come with instructions and best safety practices printed on the backside. A limited-edition pair of plastic Bill Nye eclipse glasses will be available in June.