Solar eclipse glasses a hot commodity
ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - You might call them the hottest eye wear in town. The solar eclipse glasses are hard to find. Keturah Miller and her family are looking for eclipse glasses.
Miller explained, "You need them for the eclipse. So, hopefully, you can find something."
The popular glasses seem to keep evading her at area stores.
"I don't know where they are or not. I saw some over at Lowes."
FOX 35 called more than 35 different stores to find the protective eye wear, including a few Lowe's home improvement stores, ten Walmarts from Ocala to Orlando to Palm Bay, five Ace Hardware stores, and four Home Depot stores. Just one Walmart had a couple left, the other stores were sold out.
Most stores sell out soon after they arrive, ahead of Monday's solar eclipse.
Jeff Stanford with the Orlando Science Center said, "The Solar Eclipse glasses are a real hot item. You can't stare at the eclipse with your naked eye."
The Orlando Science Center is giving away more than 10,000 of the protective eye wear across Orange County on Monday. Seminole and Orange County Libraries are also giving them away on Monday, if you register, and 5,000 are free at Seminole State's Planetarium on Monday, too.
Stanford explained, "We're thrilled at the enthusiasm that people are having for the eclipse. We want people to look at it properly."
Yvonne Simson, a parent said, "Supply and demand, I guess."
So you and your family can watch the solar eclipse, safely.
Stanford says if you can get your hands on the eclipse glasses, they should only cost a few bucks in stores.
Here is information on the solar eclipse viewing, from the Orlando Science Center:
Visit Orlando Science Center from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on August 21 for a fun and safe celebration of the eclipse! With general admission, guests will be able to:
- View the solar eclipse safely with solar glasses and/or using our solar telescope filters
- Make phone filters to capture great photos of the eclipse
- Get creative with solar-themed crafts and art activities
- Calculating eclipse distances and temperatures
- Solar eclipse demos and presentations
Solar glasses are available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.
Public Viewing Locations
In addition to our onsite activities, Orlando Science Center will be hosting some special viewing events around town.
FREE solar viewing glasses will be distributed at each location beginning at 12:30 p.m. and ending at 4 p.m. or until supplies are gone. The peak viewing time is approximately 2:45 p.m. These locations will also offer solar demos, models and activities for you to try!
Central Park West Meadow
150 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park, FL 32789
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando, FL 32801