MICHIGAN, USA — If you plan on watching the solar eclipse on April 8, there's one thing you'll need above all else — the right eyewear.
Eclipse glasses are essential for protecting your eyesight as you view the eclipse. The glasses block out almost all light, allowing you to look directly at the sky the entire time.
Without the glasses, you're risking permanent damage to your vision.
The American Astronomical Society Solar Eclipse Task Force vetted sellers and created a list of trusted manufacturers and suppliers of the glasses.
Luckily, they're inexpensive and easy to come by in West Michigan, as they're listed in retail stores for around $2.
According to the list by AAS, many large retail chains such as Meijer, Lowe's or Walmart are selling the glasses. However, it's recommended to buy them in stores versus online and to double-check the safety credentials before purchasing.
It's also recommended to check the retailer's website before heading to the store to make sure the glasses are still in stock near you.
Many local libraries and organizations are hosting watch parties for the eclipse and will have eclipse glasses provided or available for purchase for those participating, while supplies last.
Grand Rapids
- Blandford Nature Center
- 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
- Watch party on the hill near the parking lot
- Glasses provided while supplies last
- Grand Rapids Public Museum
- 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Activities at the museum; watch party on the Blue Bridge
- Glasses on sale for $1.75 while supplies last
- Warby Parker Breton Village
- 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Glasses provided while supplies last
Kent County
- KDL East Grand Rapids branch
- 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
- Glasses provided while supplies last
- KDL Comstock Park branch
- 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
- Glasses provided while supplies last
- KDL Grandville branch
- 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
- Glasses provided while supplies last
- KDL Cascade Township branch
- 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
- Glasses provided while supplies last
- KDL Caledonia Township branch
- 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
- Glasses provided while supplies last
- KDL Byron Township branch
- 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
- Glasses provided while supplies last
- KDL Walker branch
- 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
- Glasses provided while supplies last
Muskegon County
- Muskegon Astronomical Society
- 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Glasses not provided at the event, however Muskegon County residents can pick up a pair of free glasses at the Hackley Public Library
- Muskegon Area District Library branches have at least 100 pairs each to give away for free, limited to 4 per family
- Dalton Branch of the Muskegon Area District Library
- Egelston Branch of Muskegon Area District Library
- Holton Branch of the Muskegon Area District Library
- Library for the Visually & Physically Disabled
- Montague Branch of the Muskegon Area District Library
- Muskegon Heights Branch of the Muskegon Area District Library
- Muskegon Township Branch of Muskegon Area District Library
- North Muskegon and Laketon Township Branches of MADL
- MADL Norton Shores Library
- Ravenna Branch of the Muskegon Area District Library
Ottawa County
- Herrick District Library (HDL) North branch
- 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
- Glasses provided while supplies last
- Patmos Library
- 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- Glasses provided
- Crafts and activities inside after the eclipse
Newaygo County
- Newaygo Area District Library block party
- Brooks Park in Newaygo
- Food trucks available from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Glasses provided to first 500 people
- Newaygo County Conservation District open house
- S. F. Wessling Observatory in Fremont
- 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Admission $5
- Glasses provided with admission
Kalamazoo County
- Air Zoo
- 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
- Activities and watch party
- Glasses provided while supplies last
- Parchment Community Library
- 1:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- Glasses provided while supplies last
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