No solar eclipse glasses? For 'ring of fire' in October, try a cracker or slotted spoon

Before your eyes spy the Great American Eclipse or "ring of fire" annular solar eclipse in October, be sure to protect them with the right eyewear.

The Great American Eclipse aka the "ring of fire" annular solar eclipse, is set for Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. Though Florida is not in the path of annularity − meaning Floridians will not be able to see the "ring of fire" effect from the moon partially covering the sun leaving only a ring of bright yellow − the state will see a partial solar eclipse. Think of a fat crescent shape.

Experts warn people should not look up directly at the sun to avoid blindness or damage to the eyes. Whether you'll be traveling to one of the areas that is in the U.S. path of annularity to see the Great American Eclipse, or if you'll be watching from the Sunshine State, you'll want to wear solar eclipse glasses.

Here's a safety guide on what to do and what not to do to protect your eyes when watching the Great American Eclipse.

When is the Great American Eclipse 2023?

There are three notable solar eclipses viewable from the U.S. After the Great American Solar Eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017, the Great American Eclipse follows on Oct. 14, 2023, then the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024. Skywatchers from hundreds of miles outside the path will still be able to see the "ring of fire" annular solar eclipse in October.

Can the Great American Eclipse 2023 or 'ring of fire' eclipse be seen in Florida?

Nasa

Embedded content: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBa0pSIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--dbbafb7ea2500db8a6aea6c3bff2b6c67a3629c6/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdCam9MWm05eWJXRjBPZ2wzWldKdyIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoidmFyaWF0aW9uIn19--24997868381b1f10543ce76109cabaf03df01923/5668_annular_eclipse_2023_path_of_totality_map_of_north_america-opt.jpg?content_type=image%2Fwebp&disposition=inline

Weather permitting, to see all phases of an annular eclipse, you must be within the path of annularity. According to a map on greatamericaneclipse.com, the U.S. path of annularity for the "ring of fire" eclipse covers parts of Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. The ring of fire will not be visible from Florida − unless you watch it virtually from a livestream.

However, the state of Florida should have a 50 percent to 60 percent chance of seeing a phase of the annular eclipse.

Florida will be able to see a partial solar eclipse Oct. 14, 2023, beginning at 10:38 a.m. CT/11:38 a.m. ET through 3:13 p.m. ET, according to timeanddate.com.

What is the path of annularity for the 'ring of fire' eclipse 2023?

When the moon obscures everything but the outer ring of the sun, hence the nickname "ring of fire," the path where skywatchers can view this is called the "path of annularity."

Where do I get solar eclipse glasses for the 'ring of fire' eclipse in October 2023?

The American Astronomical Society offers a list of suppliers for safe solar filters and viewers online. Also, various Home Depot, Lowes and Walmart locations sell ISO-compliant safe eclipse glasses and/or handheld viewers, the group states.

All safe eclipse glasses will meet the "ISO 12312-2" standard. The AAS warns that "NASA does not approve or endorse products. Some vendors print the ISO logo on their viewers or claim that they're 'ISO certified,'" according to a blog post on its site, but "ISO prohibits the use of their logo on products and does not certify products."

To protect your eyes, you'll want to wear eclipse glasses that are "recognized by the American Astronomical Society's Solar Eclipse Task Force as a supplier of safe solar viewers/filters," the AAS site states.

What does ISO 12312-2 mean?

ISO refers to "International Organization for Standardization," though ISO is derived from the French name.

Safe eclipse glasses that help prevent injury from intense radiation from the sun and provide a satisfying view of the celestial event are categorized with the international standard ISO 12312-2, in short, "eye and face protection" for direct observation of the sun. ISO 12312-2 applies worldwide.

The American Astronomical Society explains that "ISO standards are not laws, though governments sometimes base laws on ISO standards. This means it is not necessarily illegal for a product to fail to meet the requirements of an ISO standard. But it may be inadvisable to buy or use such a product, as failure to meet the requirements of an applicable standard likely means the product is not well suited to its purpose."

Are 3D glasses the same as solar eclipse glasses?

No. 3-dimensional glasses will not protect your eyes during an eclipse. Do not wear them and look at the sun during an eclipse.

Can I watch the 2023 Great American Eclipse using a cracker?

Yes! Use a buttery round cracker (think Ritz) and a white sheet of paper. With your back toward the sun, hold the cracker up to the paper. Your eyes should be looking away from the sun, which is what’s required for safe, indirect viewing, experts say. The solar eclipse will filter through the tiny cracker holes. Reporter tip: If you don't have a Ritz cracker, a Saltine cracker works just as well.

Can I watch the Great American Eclipse using a slotted spoon?

Yes! Use a slotted spoon with round holes in it. Again, with your toward the sun, hold up the spoon to the sheet of paper and watch the solar eclipse project an image.

Can I watch Great American Eclipse using a colander or bowl?

Yes! According to Dennis Ward, retired president of Longmont Astronomical Society in Colorado, “Another great projection viewing device is a colander or pasta strainer with holes, not slots.“ Same instructions apply, stand with your back toward the sun, and hold up the colander to the sheet of paper to see the eclipse.

Can I wear sunglasses and watch the solar eclipse?

No. We can't stress this enough. It is not safe to look up at the sun during a solar eclipse while wearing sunglasses, no matter how dark the lenses are.

Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network-Florida. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Ring of fire, Great American Eclipse 2023: Where to get safe glasses