In a bizarre development, American E-Commerce website Amazon recently recalled Solar eclipse glasses that were sold to Americans to watch the once-in-a-lifetime event. As per reports, Amazon also issued a warning to Americans not to use them to watch the 2024 solar eclipse. As per US media reports, people who purchased certain eclipse glasses from Amazon may have received an email from the online retailer saying the glasses are in fact not safe to view the eclipse in, and that the packaging labeling of "AAS Approved" is in fact incorrect.
Amazon's Email reportedly says, "Dear Amazon Customer, We write to notify you of a potential safety concern with a product that you purchased on Amazon.com," the email read in part. "Affected Product: Biniki Solar Eclipse Glasses AAS Approved 2024 – CE & ISO Certified Safe Shades for Direct Sun Viewing (6 Packs). The product listed above was not included in the American Astronomical Society’s list of safe suppliers of solar eclipse viewers and filters and therefore may not be safe for viewing a solar eclipse."
A media release was shared on X by an American page. In the release, it was said-
"The Illinois Department of Public Health is urging the public to double-check their eclipse glasses after certain brands were recalled for potentially failing t to meet safety standards. The glasses in question were reportedly sold through Amazon as Biniki Solar Eclipse Glasses AAS Approved 2024-CE & ISO Certified Safe Shades for Direct Sun Viewing (6 Packs). The glasses were also reportedly available at several Southern Illinois retail establishments, including:
- Farm Fresh Market, Breese, IL
- Highland Tru Buy, Highland, IL
- Perry County Marketplace, Pinckneyville, IL
- Sinclair Foods, Jerseyville, IL
- Steelville Marketplace, Steelville, IL
- Big John Grocery, Metropolis, IL
The recalled glasses are labeled as "EN ISO 12312-1:2022"; proper safety glasses should carry the ISO designation of 12312-2. People in possession of the recalled glasses should not use them to view the eclipse. Using inadequate eye protection could lead to serious eye damage."
Where to watch Solar Eclipse 2024?
In case you are interested in watching the total solar eclipse, you can tune in to NASA’s live stream using the link below. The stream will be live from 10:30 PM IST on April 8 and end at 1:30 AM IST on April 9.