Solar eclipse glasses can be yours for free at these D.C. locations

Even on a cloudy day, it can be harmful to look directly at the sun. Because of this, NASA advises that it’s better to never look directly at the sun’s rays even when it’s partially obscured. Later this month, on August 21, the U.S. will be able to witness a solar eclipse for the first time in nearly a century, and NASA’s advice will be more important than ever.

Sunglasses won’t be enough to help protect one’s eyes. According to Curbed sister site Vox, those who want to check out the solar eclipse will need glasses that filter all but 0.003 percent of visible light. The glasses will also need to block out most ultraviolet and infrared.

While welder’s glasses will certainly work, they’re a little difficult to find. Thankfully, a variety of venues in the D.C. area are ready and willing to pass out safe solar eclipse glasses in preparation for the event.

Below, see a list of locations in the area that will be offering glasses:

• National Air and Space Museum
• National Zoo
• Chevy Chase Library
• Mary Riley Styles Public Library
• Prince George's County Memorial Library System
• John Marshall Community Library
• Richard Byrd Library
• Arlington Public Library
• Alexandria Library

The following locations will feature safe solar telescopes for the day of the event:

• National Air and Space Museum
• National Archives
• National Zoo

For more tips on eye safety, check out NASA’s website here.

• Eye Safety During a Total Solar Eclipse [NASA]

• Total solar eclipse 2017: everything you need to know [Vox]

• How you can get free solar eclipse-viewing glasses [WUSA9]

Know of another location in the D.C. area that is offering safe solar eclipse glasses and telescopes? Let Curbed DC know by leaving a comment.