If you’re looking forward to safely viewing the eclipse this April, you’ll need special eclipse glasses or a solar viewer. Luckily, there are many ways to get glasses across the state.
For free
Most public schools in the path of totality will have glasses available to students, while many public libraries and town offices have glasses for the general public. Check with your local library or town clerk's office to see when they’re available (or whether they've already run out).
St. Albans — located along the center of the path of totality, granting it the longest total eclipse possible — is distributing glasses at its town hall. St. Albans City also planned to distribute glasses through local businesses, said Arleigh Young, the city's planning and development coordinator.
The nonprofit Stowe Vibrancy has distributed free glasses to various businesses around Stowe.
MAP: See the path of the 2024 total solar eclipse in Vermont
Vermont Public’s official event at the Fairbanks Museum in St. Johnsbury will have some free glasses to pass out. (Did you previously receive glasses from Vermont Public? See here for an important notice.)
St. Johnsbury is also giving eclipse glasses away at various locations around town.
For cheap
Burlington will have glasses available for $3 a pair at various locations throughout the city and surrounding area, said John Flanagan, communications director at Burlington City Arts. If you're near Burlington and would like to purchase them early, they're currently available for sale at the Robert Miller Center from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Eclipse glasses are available at many retailers across the state, typically priced around $3.
Many private events, such as those at Shelburne Museum and ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain in Burlington, guarantee glasses as part of the price of admission. Make sure to check when purchasing tickets.
ECHO also offers glasses at the museum and The Tinkering Turtle for a suggested donation of $3, and sells them in bulk for organizations, said Nicole Bova, ECHO's director of development.
For any price
Finally, for those looking to purchase glasses or solar viewers online, the American Astronomical Society has a list of reputable vendors.
Note that a special solar filter is required to record or photograph the partial eclipse or view it through any kind of magnifying lens; glasses and filters are only enough to protect the naked eye (or a pair of prescription glasses).
The AAS also has advice on determining if your glasses or viewer is up to standard.
Glasses need to be worn at all times when looking at the partial eclipse. The only time it’s safe to remove them is during the total eclipse, when the sky turns dark, which only those in the path of totality will experience.
Have questions, comments or tips? Send us a message.
More eclipse resources
- See our eclipse liveblog for the latest updates.
- Watch our half-hour educational TV special, "Path to Totality."
- See our interactive map of the eclipse path.
- Plan for road closures around the state.
- Get updates on the weather forecast for Monday.
- Emergency management officials share travel and communication tips.
- Where to find eclipse glasses.
- Learning guides for preK-12 educators.
- Details on our live event in St. Johnsbury and other events around the state.
See all of Vermont Public's 2024 eclipse coverage.
