Over 40 Places In New York You Can Get Free Solar Eclipse Glasses Now

New York State has started giving away free solar eclipse glasses with limited edition I LOVE NY branding at over 30 locations across the state in advance of April 8’s solar eclipse.

The giveaway comes as prices of eclipse glasses are rising and look set to rise further as demand surges. It’s also only one of a series of giveaways across the U.S.

Announced by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, the statewide effort will include distribution at New York State Welcome Centers and select service areas along the NYS Thruway.

Where To Get Free Eclipse Glasses In New York

Hochul announced that “a limited quantity” of I LOVE NY eclipse glasses will be available, starting today, at these locations throughout the state:

• 11 New York State Welcome Centers.
• Applegreen C-Stores at select service areas along the New York State Thruway.
• Over 30 other locations across the state.

Glasses will be limited to two pairs per person, while supplies last, and only a limited amount will distributed daily, according to the press release. It also added that the glasses were approved by the New York State Department of Health and are compliant with the ISO certification.

Why Solar Eclipse Glasses Are Important

On April 8, everyone in North America will see a partial solar eclipse for about 2.5 hours, during which the moon will drift across the sun’s bright disk. From within a narrow 115-mile path through Western New York, a total solar eclipse will also be seen—the first one in New York since 1925—which features a short period of darkness called totality. This is the only time you must remove solar eclipse glasses.

The partial phases of the eclipse must be viewed directly only through solar eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer. Solar eclipse glasses are 100,000 times darker than sunglasses and block out all but a tiny fraction of the sun’s visible light (as well as ultraviolet and infrared). What happens if you look at the eclipse without eclipse glasses is “eclipse blindness” or retinal burns, which can permanently affect your vision.

Total Solar Eclipse In New York

Some cities and towns within the path of totality in Western New York will experience a total solar eclipse for a few minutes between 3:15 p.m. EDT and 3:30 p.m. EDT on April 8. They include Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Watertown, Old Forge, Lake Placid and Plattsburgh.

For the latest on all aspects of April 8’s total solar eclipse in North America, check my main feed for new articles each day.

Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.