Total-ly exciting: Prepare for the U.S.’s first solar eclipse in decades

The celestial event of the year is on the horizon! But you can’t see it without the right safety goggles.

On Aug. 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse will be visible across the contiguous United States for the first time in decades. Whether you and your family will be viewing it in the New York City area or traveling to a primo spot within the path of totality, remember: safety first! The sun — and even an eclipsed sun — cannot be viewed with the naked eye without risking serious — and permanent — injury to your family’s peepers. The American Optometric Association recommends wearing glasses with International Organization for Standardization-certified filters, like these solar eclipse glasses from ThinkGeek. Printed with the date of the eclipse on the front, these glasses filter out ultraviolet and infrared rays with their 2-millimeter thick, scratch-resistant polymer lenses. The reverse side of the glasses is printed with instructions. For more information about how to plan your family’s eclipse party and view this phenomenon safely, visit eclipse2017.nasa.gov.

Solar Eclipse Glasses, $9.99 for a 5-pack, ThinkGeek.com.