October 2023 eclipse glasses: Which libraries in Florida are giving them away for free?
Do you have eclipse glasses for the Great American Eclipse 2023?
If not, you could potentially get a pair for free at your local library. Below are things to know about the Great American Eclipse aka "ring of fire" eclipse in October and a roundup of which libraries in Florida are giving them away (while supplies last).
Florida solar eclipse: Even without 'ring of fire,' social media takes these great photos
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.
Eclipse schedule: Best time to see it in Florida, weather permitting
Can the Great American Eclipse 2023 or 'ring of fire' eclipse be seen in Florida?
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?
Nasa
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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."
Will we see October 2023 solar eclipse from Florida?
Though Florida is not in the path of annularity, skywatchers would still have a 50 percent to 60 percent chance of seeing a phase of the annular eclipse in October, weather permitting, of course.
To see all phases of an annular eclipse, you must be within the path of annularity. According to a map on greatamericaneclipse.com, the 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.
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.
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.
Are libraries in Florida giving away solar eclipse glasses for free?
In celebration of National Library Card Signup Month, some Florida libraries are giving away solar eclipse glasses at no cost and while supplies last.
Are libraries in Brevard County, Florida, giving away solar eclipse glasses?
Brevard County libraries will provide free solar eclipse glasses (while supplies last) for the Oct. 14, 2023, Great American Eclipse aka "ring of fire" eclipse. "These same glasses can be used again for the total solar eclipse happening on Monday, April 8, 2024," the site states. The eclipse glasses were provided via the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the Space Science Institute and SEAL (Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries) program.
Are libraries in Palm Beach County, Florida, giving away solar eclipse glasses?
Palm Beach County Library System will provide a pair of eclipse glasses per library card (don't forget the card!) through Oct 13. On Oct 14, any remaining eclipse glasses will be given on a first-come, first-served basis to library cardholders, a notice on its site states.
Are libraries in Broward County, Florida, giving away solar eclipse glasses?
Broward County Library will distribute 8,000 free solar eclipse glasses to Broward library cardholders during regular service hours. One pair of glasses will be distributed per library card shown, the site states. An Oct. 11 check online shows eclipse glasses are available (for now) at these libraries in Broward County:
African American Research Library and Cultural Center
Beach Branch
Carver Ranches Branch
Century Plaza/Leon Slatin Branch
Dania Beach Paul De Maio Branch
Davie/Cooper City Branch
Fort Lauderdale Reading Center
Galt Ocean Mile Reading Center
Hallandale Beach Branch
Hollywood Beach Bernice P. Oster Branch
Imperial Point Branch
Jan Moran Collier City Learning Library
Lauderdale Lakes Library/Educational and Cultural Center
Lauderhill Central Park Library
Lauderhill Towne Centre Library
Margate Catharine Young Branch
Miramar Branch Library and Education Center
North Lauderdale Saraniero Branch
North Regional/Broward College Library
Northwest Branch
Pembroke Pines/Walter C. Young Resource Center
Pompano Beach Library and Cultural Center
Riverland Branch
South Regional/Broward College Library
Southwest Regional Library
Stirling Road Branch
Sunrise Dan Pearl Branch
Tamarac Branch
Tyrone Bryant Branch
Weston Branch
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.
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 wear sunglasses and watch the solar eclipse? No.
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: Do I need glasses for Great American Eclipse, ring of fire on Oct. 14?
