We are about 8 months away from the day that Erie goes dark. On April 8th 2024, Erie will be in the path of totality for the total solar eclipse.

Prices for reliable glasses will rise as we near 2024. There was a major rush for glasses leading up to the last visible solar eclipse in 2017. Retailers were charging upwards of $20 a pair in the days leading to the last eclipse.

"What happened in 2017 is the manufacturers produced as much as they could and couldn't keep up with demand," said Visisolar Salesman Isaac Rosner.

On Saturday, October 14, 2023, the United States will experience an annular eclipse. Then on Monday, April 8, 2024 is the total solar eclipse.

"We have this convergence of two eclipse happening at the same time, so demand on the manufacturers is higher than ever."

Erie is in the path of totality making it a prime viewing location. Ophthalmologists advise that the glasses only be warn if they have the correct ISO 12312-2 certification, but scams around the eclipse glasses are making buying the correct eye-wear difficult.

"There's a lot of scams on the market, and a lot of products that is produced as cheap as possible," said Rosner.

Rosner recommends that when looking for solar eclipse glasses online, make sure that you purchase from a safe supplier. He says that the American Astronomical Society is the best way to know that the distributor your buy from is reliable.

Visit eclipse.aas.org for a complete list of reputable sellers.