Source: The Courier-Journal
If you still have those special solar sunglasses lying around from last Monday’s eclipse, don’t toss them.
Bernheim Arboretum is collecting eclipse glasses to donate to schools in South America and parts of Asia through Sept. 30. Those parts of the world are in line to see the next eclipse — in 2019.
All donated glasses will go to Astronomers Without Borders, whose members will make sure they meet NASA standards before redistributing them to a collection organization.
Solar eclipse glasses are intended to work safely for around five years, so any glasses purchased this year probably will not be safe to use for the 2024 total solar eclipse that North America will experience.
“We are conservation organization,” said Mark Wourms, Bernheim’s executive director. “Passing the glasses along allows an item to be used that otherwise would be thrown away.”
Wourms said that the recycling program provides glasses to those who might not have access themselves – allowing children to safely view the event.
A receptacle for the glasses is available in the Bernheim Visitor Center, which is open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Glasses can also be turned in at the entrance kiosk on weekends.
The Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest is located in Clermont, Ky., about 20 minutes from the Louisville airport. From I-65, take exit 112 and follow the signs.
Reporter Sheldon S. Shafer can be reached at 502-582-7089, or via email at sshafer@courier-journal.com.
