Eclipse glasses mislabeled and should NOT be used to view eclipse
LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 5, 2024) — UK Libraries was informed Friday morning that the Biniki brand eclipse glasses made available at our campus library locations this week may not be safe for viewing the eclipse on April 8.
UK Libraries ask that these glasses be discarded immediately and not used for viewing the upcoming eclipse.
The product erroneously claimed that it had been approved by the American Astronomical Society (AAS).
A representative from the vendor reached out to UK Libraries with a warning that the glasses were not approved by the AAS and therefore may not be safe for viewing a solar eclipse.
The AAS has published guidelines on identifying fake and counterfeit viewing glasses and filters, as well as a list of approved vendors.
We sincerely apologize for the confusion.
When selecting solar viewing glasses, check to see that they are labeled “ISO 12312-2” (sometimes written as “ISO 12312-2:2015”). Also use caution when purchasing these glasses from unverified sources, as counterfeit products may not provide adequate protection. Reliable vendors include Rainbow Symphony, American Paper Optics and others recommended by the American Astronomical Society (AAS).
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.