Are there still solar eclipse glasses anywhere in WNC?

The total solar eclipse Aug. 21 is now a week away. Excitement for one of the greatest celestial shows on Earth is getting to a tipping point.

The whole eclipse will last from about 1-4 p.m. in certain parts of Western North Carolina, and “totality” will occur at about 2:30 p.m. when the moon lines up directly between the sun and Earth, casting a shadow on the Earth that turns daytime into night.

It will be a sight to behold, but only if you behold it in a certain way. Scientists are warning people not to look directly at the sun until complete totality, at the risk of serious eye damage.

Specially coated eyeglasses should be worn during the eclipse. Regular sunglasses will not work.

Eclipse glasses are sold out in many places, so you might be chastising yourself for not planning sooner. But if you look hard enough, you can still find a pair around town and online ranging from free to $5.

According to NASA, eclipse viewing glasses and handheld solar viewers should meet all the following criteria:

Have certification information with a designated ISO 12312-2 international standard.

Watch out for dangerous counterfeits. Don't rely on the ISO certification alone. The American Astronomical Society has released a list of reputable manufacturers and sellers of eclipse glasses and viewers here: https://eclipse.aas.org/resources/solar-filters

Have the manufacturer’s name and address printed somewhere on the product.

Not be used if they are at least 3 years old or have scratched or wrinkled lenses.

Not be homemade filters or be substituted for with ordinary sunglasses - not even very dark ones - because they are not safe for looking directly at the sun.

Have been made by one of the following manufacturers: American Paper Optics, Baader Planetarium (AstroSolar Silver/Gold film only), Rainbow Symphony, Thousand Oaks Optical, and TSE 17.

Following are some places that had glasses as of Aug. 11. (Update: Many of these locations are now out of glasses, so it's best to call before you visit in person.):

Asheville:

The Eye Center, 1 Page Ave. in the Grove Arcade on the O. Henry Avenue side. 828-253-3533, $2 apiece.

Diamond Brand Outdoors, 1378 Hendersonville Road, 828-684-6262, $5 each.

North Asheville Library, 1030 Merrimon Ave. Free pairs given out at “The Solar Eclipse with Dr. Ruiz” at 6 p.m. on Aug. 14.

Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main St. Will give out one free pair per visitor Aug. 14.

South Asheville, 749 Fairview Road. Will give out one free pair per visitor Aug. 14

Black Mountain Library, 105 N. Dougherty St. Will give out one free pair per visitor Aug. 17.

Other locations including Ingles Markets, Lowe’s, the Home Depot and eyeglass stores may also carry the glasses.

Brevard/Transylvania County: Call the county visitor center at 828-883-3700.

Local Color gift shop, 828-384-0684.

Allegra, 828-884-7408.

The Cradle of Forestry, 828-877-3130.

Black Forest Campground, 828-884-2267.

Adventure Village campground, 828-862-5411.

Bullwinkles, 828-862-4700.

Rocky’s restaurant 828-877-5375.

Looking Glass Eye Center 828-884-7320.

Creekside Grocery, 828-885-2810.

Headwaters Outfitters, 828-877-3106.

Ingles Market, 828-883-2323.

Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute in Rosman, 828-862-5554.

Dillsboro: Tunnel Mountain Crafts, Dogwood Crafters, Dillsboro’s Summer Arts and Crafts Market.

Sylva: Kel-Save, Livingston Photo, Mad Batter, Lowes, Blackrock Outdoor Company and Jackson County Public Library.

Cashiers: Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce, Zoller’s Hardware, The Village Green.

Also try these websites:

https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/

www.greatamericaneclipse.com

www.nationaleclipse.com/

See more solar eclipse news at http://avlne.ws/2vJn6iw.