As the solar eclipse of 2017 nears, eye specialists have warned about fake or substandard eclipse viewing glasses on the market.
In response to these concerns, the Northumberland Association for Progressive Stewardship (NAPS) and the Northumberland Public Library have partnered to make certified safe glasses available at no charge.
NAPS has purchased the glasses and the library is setting up a place at the front desk to distribute them as long as supply lasts. The glasses have viewing instructions on the inside.
“These glasses are ISO-12312-2 compliant and CE certified for direct observation of the sun. They are sold by a manufacturer on the American Astronomical Society’s safe list,” said NAPS president Mike Ahart.
The eclipse viewing glasses will be available at the library, 7204 Northumberland Highway, Heathsville, on Saturday, August 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Monday, August 21, the day of the eclipse in the Northern Neck area, at 9 a.m. The eclipse may be viewed from 1:30 to 4 p.m.
“We are pleased to be partnered with NAPS and I hope that school kids will take advantage of this unique opportunity,” said library director Cherie Carl.
