Missouri Ag Connection - Advisory to Not Use Certain Solar Eclipse Glasses

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Advisory to Not Use Certain Solar Eclipse Glasses
Missouri Ag Connection - 08/21/2017

Missouri State Parks is issuing an advisory not to use a specific brand of solar eclipse glasses and viewers because it cannot be confirmed they meet ISO and CE certification or came from a recommended manufacturer.

The glasses and viewers were sold under the name "PMS Promo Mart" at Missouri state park and historic site stores throughout the state. The name is listed on the inside of the glasses between the lenses. Anyone who purchased the glasses with the name "PMS Promo Mart" should return them to any state park or historic site store or gift shop to receive a full refund.

"We are issuing this advisory as a precautionary measure because we cannot verify that the solar eclipse glasses and viewers meet all the requirements to safely view the eclipse," said Ben Ellis, Missouri State Parks director. Ellis said they are advising anyone who bought the glasses with the PMS Promo Mart label to NOT use them during the eclipse.

NASA and the American Astronomical Society advise viewers to use only certified solar eclipse glasses or other solar filters to protect their eyes when the viewing the sun or an eclipse. Using any other type of glasses or filters may result in loss of vision or permanent blindness.

"Missouri State Parks apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause but we want to take all possible steps to make sure everyone can safely view the solar eclipse," Ellis said.

For more information about the advisory, visit mostateparks.com.

The longest duration of totality will be 2 minutes, 41.6 seconds in Giant City State Park, just south of Carbondale, Ill., and the greatest extent (width) will be near the village of Cerulean, Ky., located in between Hopkinsville and Princeton.

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