Ahead of Monday's solar eclipse, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a warning about fake solar glasses and price gouging.
As today's total solar eclipse is due to cross the U.S. this afternoon, millions of Americans are expected to descend on its path of totality for a glimpse of the rare astronomical phenomenon. The eclipse, the first of its kind in the U.S. since 2017, will cross the continent of North America, starting in Mexico before entering the U.S. and leaving via the northeast into Canada.
A slew of safety advice has been issued for eclipse-goers, including using special viewing glasses. For those living within the eclipse's path of totality, NASA has urged taking eye safety precautions. The space agency has encouraged people to use only certified eclipse glasses and viewers to watch the event as the moon slowly moves to obstruct the view of the sun.
On Monday, James took to X, formerly Twitter, to issue a warning about the purchase of fake solar glasses and price gouging of the item as she advised New Yorkers to file a complaint with her office. Newsweek has reached out to James' office via email for comment.
"My office won't allow anyone to take advantage of New Yorkers trying to watch this incredible event safely. If you think you've been sold fake solar glasses or experience price gouging, we want to know," James wrote on X.
"On April 8, millions of New Yorkers and visitors will have the opportunity to view a magnificent solar eclipse, and they should do so safely by using properly certified glasses," James said in a statement emailed to Newsweek.
"There are serious risks associated with not using proper eyewear when looking directly at an eclipse, which is why everyone should follow guidance to ensure their solar eclipse glasses are legitimate and safe to use. Some areas of New York will see an influx of visitors, and I encourage any consumer who has experienced a last-minute hotel cancellation, price gouging, or any other service disruption to contact my office."
The American Optometric Association says that the only glasses that should be used to look at a partially eclipsed sun is with eclipse ones that meet an international standard with the label ISO 12312-2. These glasses aim to reduce visible sunlight to a safe level, and block ultraviolet and infrared radiation.
However, since many have been preparing to view the solar eclipse, authorities have been warning against the selling of fake solar glasses.
The American Astronomical Society (AAS) has advised against ordering from Amazon or other online marketplaces, and said you shouldn't order if prices seem to be too good to be true. The AAS has added that it is best to purchase the glasses from manufacturers based in the United States.
While some places such as Warby Parker, a New York City-based eyeglass retailer with over 200 stores across the United States and Canada, will distribute free ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses, others can be purchased.
In addition, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning about eclipse-based scams, including eclipse glasses.
"Unfortunately, the crooks follow the headlines and they know what is happening and what the current events are," Monica Horton with BBB North Central Texas told local Texas NBC News channel 5. "They will tailor their scams to fit that narrative."
In light of the fake glasses, the AAS has advised ways to distinguish the real eclipse glasses from fake ones. The real ones will have a note about the international standard somewhere on their body. Before buying, make sure the glasses are advertised as meeting this standard.
However, if you already bought the glasses, check the arm for the the "ISO 12312-2" label.
In addition, NASA has also released guidance on how to test your eclipse glasses. The space agency recommends putting on your glasses and finding a bright light. If this appears extremely dim, or doesn't appear at all, when you look at it through the glasses, these are satisfactory.
James' warning comes after some have warned about the damage looking at the eclipse without proper protection could have on eyes.
"Without proper eye protection, looking directly at the sun at any time, not just during an eclipse, can cause solar retinopathy. This can cause irreversible damage to your eyesight by 'imprinting' a kind of ghost image of the sun on your retina that will impair your central vision," Ryan Milligan, a lecturer in astrophysics at Queen's University Belfast, U.K., previously told Newsweek.
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Natalie Venegas is a Weekend Reporter at Newsweek based in New York. Her focus is reporting on education, social justice ... Read more
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