Eclipse of March 20th: where to find the latest glasses, our advice – TF1

To observe 1999 as the next Eclipse Solar safe, it must obtain the appropriate protections. “To observe this event in safe conditions, it is essential to bring glasses completely opaque special protection in normal light” reminds the Ministry of Health. These glasses have to be certified according to CE standard No. 89/686. But a few days of great moment, these glasses are very rare … and several pharmacies are stockouts (see above video). It is important not to try to observe the solar disk with binoculars, photo or devices “with makeshift means of protection, such as sunglasses, radiological film or simple sunglasses which protect faculty is very poor “, according to the Ministry

Safety tips:. these glasses disposable cost no more than 2 or 3 euros On some sites selling. Online prices soar. Be vigilant.

– Solution 1: pharmacist and opticians

This is the first address where to go. Your pharmacist has can still be a few pairs. But hurry. Many pharmacies Tuesday were already out of stock.

– Solution 2: some stores

Some chain stores – such as Nature and Discovery – recently replenished their stocks. The glasses are sold 2 euros. The company told AFP he had several stock-outs on these glasses. “The breaks include occurred yesterday (Monday). We were a little surprised by the enthusiasm around these products, but we reacted quickly by returning orders from our supplier. Most stores are being replenished or already are, “he told AFP a representative of the sign Tuesday

– Solution 3:. specialty shops in astronomy

They are generally better supplied in special glasses.

The string Nature and Discovery has also replenished its stores on Tuesday, “We were actually out of stock but we are now able to provide the shops had exhausted their stock. We sell these glasses 2 euros “said a spokesman for the group BBC .

– Solution 4: trade journals

Some journals offer glasses: the book March 20, 2015, an eclipse Light that can be ordered on the The site Imcee (Celestial Mechanics Institute and calculation ephemeris) or the March 2015 issue of the journal Sky and Space that you can buy in kiosks.

– Backup Solution: and if you do not have glasses …

If unfortunately you have not been able to get you in time, associations – such as the French Association of Astronomy – allow you to observe the eclipse safely in observation sites equipped with the famous glasses.

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Do not reuse glasses 1999

Do not think of “reuse disposable glasses, especially those who served during the last solar eclipse in 1999,” warns Annie Rodriguez, Vision Health Director at Essilor. Striped when damaged, they would no longer be effective.

It is also excluded to use simple sunglasses, useless, or “magnifying systems (binoculars, telescopes, telescopes) which can only aggravate the dangers,” explains the specialist.

Video. In 1999, the hunt for glasses caused riots

Video. The best images of the 1999 solar eclipse

GRAPHICS: The map of Friday’s eclipse and schedules