Solar glasses get second chance as donations

Glasses would go to Asia, South America for 2019 eclipse

If you still have your solar eclipse glasses, don’t throw them away just yet.

Gizmodo reports that Astronomers Without Borders is taking donations of used solar eclipse glasses, which in turn will be redistributed to schoolchildren in Asia and South America to watch the next total solar eclipse in 2019.

The organization wants to make sure students have access to a “first-hand science experience,” according to the Gizmodo report.

Astronomers Without Borders also raises money to buy new glasses for children, but it’s hoping to catch people before they throw away existing ones.

Nationwide in the United States, there was a shortage of solar eclipse glasses. AWB did a similar project for the U.S. solar eclipse, distributing more than 100,000 donated glasses to schools and other institutions in underserved areas, according to its website.

On Facebook, Astronomers Without Borders notes that they want to make sure children in other countries have positive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) experiences, and in some countries in Asia and South America, funding for such a project could be tricky.

According to a Facebook post by the organization, the response to their glasses drive has been overwhelmingly positive. Astronomers Without Borders asks people to hold on to their glasses, to gather them from friends and neighbors, and then stand by for more information on where to send them.

Given the fact that the next solar eclipse in North America won’t occur until 2024, one wouldn’t be able to reuse this year’s glasses here anyway. Experts note the glasses are only good for three years, so it would make sense to donate them on to a place that can use them.

However, if the lenses are wrinkled or scratched, they can’t be reused. Either add them to your scrapbook or toss them.

The organization’s motto is “One People + One Sky” — and it’s an ideal the group truly strives to meet. To donate your glasses or to learn more, visit astronomerswithoutborders.org., Or if you want to donate right away, glasses can be sent to Explore Scientific, 1010 S. 48th Street, Springdale, AR 72762.

DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS OR NOT?

You can write a letter to the editor or comment on this editorial online at yumasun.com