Following the August 12, 2026 solar eclipse, your eclipse glasses can be reused if they meet the ISO 12312-2 standard and the filter is in perfect condition. The American Astronomical Society (AAS) recommends storing them at room temperature, in their original packaging, a case, an envelope, or a box, away from dust, moisture, scratches, and punctures.
Solar eclipse: don’t throw away your glasses — they could be reused soon, under certain conditions
When the August 12 solar eclipse is over, don’t throw away your protective glasses! Two more eclipses are coming in 2027 and 2028, and your pair can be reused if it remains compliant and is kept in pristine condition. [Read more]
Better to store them flat, without folding or crushing. Before taking them out again, check that they show no scratches, tears, perforations, or detached filters. At the slightest defect, they must be discarded. The AAS also notes that the old recommendation to replace them after three years no longer applies to newer models that comply with ISO 12312-2 and are stored correctly, subject to the manufacturer's instructions.
Your eclipse glasses could be back in use as early as August 2, 2027, when another solar eclipse will be visible from France. In other words, if they’re still in pristine condition, it’s wiser to tuck them away in a safe drawer rather than discard them too quickly.
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Solar eclipse: don’t throw away your glasses — they could be reused soon, under certain conditions
