Donate solar eclipse viewing glasses to schools in Africa for the total solar eclipse on 3 November 2013
On 3 November a total solar eclipse will cross the African continent. This is a rare opportunity to expose students to science in a region where science resources are often non-existent.
An Astronomers Without Borders program will provide eclipse viewing glasses free to schools that will experience a total eclipse or a very deep partial eclipse for use by thousands of students.
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Update: 13,700 pairs of eclipse glasses have been shipped to schools in Africa. Donations are very much appreciated to cover extra glasses that were shipped (see below) and shipping costs. |
Schools have been identified and vetted by partner organizations in each country, and distribution networks have been verified. Every donated pair of eclipse glasses WILL reach a student for use for the eclipse. The International Astronomical Union's Office of Astronomy for Development, which is based in Cape Town, South Africa, is providing invaluable support and assistance through their many contacts across Africa.
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You can also purchase eclipse glasses for your own use.
| 13,700 glasses have been shipped to Africa! Thanks to everyone who has contributed. Schools in the following countries are receiving glasses from the AWB donation program. You can still donate to cover the surplus of glasses shipped and the cost of shipping. |
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In the path of the total eclipse: Close to totality (partial eclipse):
Total Glasses Shipped: 13,700
Total Glasses Donated: 10,528 |
click map to enlarge
Eclipse map courtesy Xavier Jubier |
News
Astronomy Camp, an immersion experience operated by the University of Arizona
at Tucson's nearby professional observatories, has donated 1500 glasses!
Rainbow Symphony, manufacturer of AWB's Eclipse Shades™ glasses,
has donated 3200 glasses to be sent to Africa!
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Chuck Ruehle of Astronomers Without Borders’ project
Telescopes to Tanzania addresses a student assembly sitting on straw.
Chuck Ruehle of Astronomers Without Borders’ project Telescopes to Tanzania
working with older students in a classroom.
Students at a school in Tanzania view the Sun with Astronomers Without Borders filter glasses.
Description of eclipse glasses
These high-quality eclipse glasses are branded with the Astronomers Without Borders name, logo and motto, One People, One Sky.
The backside is printed with safety information (English only).
These Eclipse Shades® Safe Solar Glasses are absolutely safe for direct solar viewing of solar eclipses and sunspots. The black polymer lens material is scratch resistant, optical density 5 and CE certified. It filters out 100% of harmful ultra-violet, 100% of harmful infrared, and 99.999% of intense visible light and creates a pleasing orange image of the Sun.
Additional donations to cover the surplus of glasses sent and the cost shipping to Africa and travelers going to Africa are very much appreciated.
