Gieleghem announces eclipse glasses reuse donation program

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Don’t throw out those eclipse glasses just yet. They might still have a purpose.

Clinton Township Treasurer Paul Gieleghem has announced a program, called Spectacles for the Next Solar Spectacle, that will put those otherwise unwearable glasses to use. According to a press release from the township, the glasses will be sent to students in Latin America for an eclipse known as “the ring of fire.” This is through Eclipse Glasses USA, a program dedicated to protective eyewear. The eclipse will not be viewable from North America.

The next eclipse in our neck of the woods will take place in 2044.

“Imagine a classroom in a remote village, where students have only read about solar eclipses in their textbooks,” Gieleghem said in a press release. “This program gives these students the opportunity to actually witness the next eclipse firsthand, with their own eyes, safely shielded by glasses provided by generous donors who live thousands of miles away.  It’s not just about viewing an eclipse; it’s about bridging gaps, connecting people through a shared experience, and igniting a passion for the cosmos in young minds.”

According to space.com, the ring of fire annular eclipse will be visible on Oct. 2 over parts of the Pacific Ocean, southern Chile and southern Argentina. In an annular eclipse, the moon covers all but the outer ring of the sun.

If you can’t turn the glasses in at normal business hours, no sweat. You can ship them directly to Eclipse Glasses USA. Otherwise, you can drop them off at the Clinton Township Civic Center.

“For those in the area, bring your eclipse glasses here, drop them into our Eclipse Glasses donation box, and let your Treasurer save you a few bucks on shipping,” Gieleghem stated in the release.

The Clinton Township Civic Center is located at 40700 Romeo Plank Road. To ship the glasses directly to Eclipse Glasses USA, send them to Eclipse Glasses USA, LLC, P.O. Box 50571, Provo, UT 84605.