ARKANSAS (KFSM) — The Great American Eclipse, the first solar eclipse visible in all of America since 1979, is coming up fast.
On Aug. 21, the entire viewing area will be plunged into darkness. Although our viewing area isn’t in the path of totality, Arkansas and Oklahoma will still see a near eclipse.
However, it’s essential that anyone planning to watch the eclipse gets proper eye protection.
Staring at the sun can damage an eye’s retina, causing temporary or even permanent damage.
To safely view the eclipse, pick up ISO certified eclipse glasses.
You can find the glasses at online vendors including EclipseGlasses.com, Celestron, Explore Scientific and Meade Instruments. They are also available in stores including: 7-Eleven, Best Buy, Lowe’s and Walmart.
Several libraries were giving away the glasses for free, although most are now out.
Here’s a list of libraries that gave away the glasses. Call ahead to ensure they still have glasses.
- Alma Public Library — Update: They are out of glasses.
- Bentonville Public Library — Update: They are out of glasses.
- Cedarville Public Library — Update: They are out of glasses.
- Charleston Public Library — Update: They are out of glasses.
- Elkins Public Library — Update: There partnered with schools to give the glasses away and are now out.
- Eureka Springs Public Library — Update: They still have glasses available. They are giving away one per card-holding patron.
- Fort Smith Public Library — Update: All branches are out of glasses. A limited supply will be available at viewing parties the day of the eclipse.
- Gentry Public Library — Update: They are out of glasses.
- Gravette Public Library — Update: They are out of glasses.
- Mulberry Public Library — Update: They are out of glasses.
- Pope County Library System
- Springdale Public Library — Giving away solar eclipse glasses during eclipse viewing event on Aug. 21.
- Winslow Public Library — Update: They are out of glasses.
- Wister Public Library — Update: There is a very limited number still available. The library partnered with the school district to give a pair of glasses to every student, teacher and employee in the district.
- Van Buren Public Library (Limited supply. Must attend eclipse training activity or eclipse party).
