N.B. astronomer urges eclipse viewers to make sure their glasses are safe

A New Brunswick astronomer says those planning to view Monday's eclipse should check to make sure their glasses are safe.

Chris Curwin, an amateur astronomer based in Saint John, said the first thing to look for is the ISO designation. Glasses should have the designation of 12312-2, and on some this may be followed by the year 2015.

But Curwin said that even if the proper ISO designation is printed on the glasses it doesn't guarantee they are safe.

"The question is whether or not someone had stamped those on the glasses or if they actually came from an official manufacturer," he said.

He said to ask the retailer for the name of the manufacturer and then to reference The American Astronomical Society's list of certified manufacturers. 

Some glasses on the market are being sold as NASA approved, but Curwin says NASA doesn't approve solar eclipse glasses.

Curwin said nothing should be seen except the sun when looking through eclipse glasses. "If you're looking through the glasses and everything is completely black that's the way they are supposed to be."

Retailers were in short supply of the glasses this weekend.

In Fredericton, the Sunglass Hut in the Regent Mall has a sign on the front entrance stating they had no solar eclipse glasses. Customers have been visiting the store in search of eclipse glasses, but the store has never sold them.

Walmart, Home Depot and Kent also never had eclipse glasses in stock.

Several New Brunswick retailers that previously had a supply are now sold out. This includes Showcase in the Fredericton Regent Mall, which ran out of stock on Friday

Bass Pro Shop and Canadian Tire in Moncton both ran out over a week ago.

Some retailers do have limited stock, including the Canadian Tire in south-side Fredericton.