MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis will experience a near-total eclipse on April 8, and thousands are expected to look toward the sky to get a view as the moon covers up the sun. But, before you do that, you'll need eye protection.
You should never look directly at the sun, even when it is partially covered by the moon. Special glasses should be worn to safely view the eclipse.
The most common way to view the eclipse is through eclipse glasses and NASA reiterates that these are not regular sunglasses.
Eclipse glasses are "thousands of times darker" and must comply with the international standard of ISO 12312-2.
Before you put them on, make sure to inspect for any issues. If the lenses are damaged in any way, you will have to throw them away. If you have children or are supervising children, it is especially important to monitor their use of the glasses.
Where can I find solar eclipse glasses?
Most area Walmart stores have solar eclipse glasses available for $1.84 near the Vision Center. Solar eclipse glasses can also be purchased at many online retailers, including Amazon.
Memphis
Memphis Pool is offering free eclipse glasses while supplies last at their Memphis, Germantown, and Collierville locations.
American Paper Optics, a large supplier of solar eclipse glasses based in Bartlett, is hosting a daily pop-up shop with glasses for sale in the parking lot of Oak Court Mall in East Memphis.
Memphis Botanic Garden is selling eclipse glasses for $5 at their visitors center, open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Pigtails & Crewcuts Hair Salon is selling eclipse glasses for $2.99 at their East Memphis location.
Feelin' Memphis keeps solar eclipse glasses in stock. Their store is located on South Main in Downtown Memphis.
The local Memphis Library system said Friday, April 5, it had run out of glasses.
North Mississippi
Southaven Antiques and Gifts is selling eclipse glasses for $2 in their store on Stateline Rd.
Wild Birds Unlimited in Southaven has glasses available at their store on Getwell Rd. near the DeSoto Central schools.
Once Upon a Child in Southaven is selling eclipse glasses for $1.29.
The City of Olive Branch has eclipse glasses available at city hall, while supplies last.
Commerce Street Market in Hernando has eclipse glasses for sale.
East Arkansas
West Memphis Public Library is giving away five free pairs of eclipse glasses per person, and more free glasses are available for larger school groups or clubs.
The eclipse will begin in the Memphis area just after 12:30 p.m. Monday afternoon, with the peak eclipse happening around 2 p.m.