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Where to buy solar eclipse glasses in St. Louis, Missouri?

St. Louisans, get ready for a celestial spectacle! On April 8, 2024, our city will be swept up in the wonder of a solar eclipse, boasting an obscuration of an astonishing 99.04%. As nearly the entire sun will be covered, it's a moment you won't want to miss—but safety is paramount! To ensure a safe viewing experience, solar eclipse glasses are a must. Let's delve into where you can secure your pair of solar shades for this awe-inspiring event.

The Unparalleled Online Convenience: 🌟

Before venturing out to the shops, consider the ease of online shopping. We have two top-notch recommendations for you:

🌐 I Love Solar Eclipse (.com): Tailor-made for the solar event enthusiast, ilovesolareclipse.com is your one-stop online shop for eclipse glasses. Not only do they offer 3-day shipping across the USA, but you can also enjoy bulk discounts—perfect for schools, organizations, or large groups wanting to share this astronomical event together. Get a neat 10% off your purchase with the coupon code "ECLIPSE" at checkout.

🌐 Absolute Eclipse (.com): Another prime destination is absoluteeclipse.com, where you'll find a selection suitable for every sky-watcher, from the casual observer to the avid astrophile. Don't forget to take advantage of their expedient 3-day shipping within the USA and use the coupon code "ECLIPSE" for 10% off.

When Online Isn't an Option: Local Retailers in St. Louis 🛍️

If for some reason you prefer or require a local purchase, St. Louis has you covered as well. Here are some generic locations drawn from across the city where you might find solar eclipse glasses:

  • Specialty Science Stores: Often, stores that cater to educational or scientific merchandise will stock eclipse glasses. While specific addresses may vary, a Google search of "science stores in St. Louis" will guide you well.
  • Optometrists and Eyewear Retailers: Given their focus on eye health, these establishments sometimes carry eclipse glasses. Search for "eyewear shops in St. Louis" or visit local malls for potential leads.
  • Museum Gift Shops: Institutions like the Saint Louis Science Center might sell eclipse glasses in their gift shops. Keep an eye on their websites as the event nears.
  • Educational Book and Supply Stores: Check out places that cater to teachers and students for eclipse-viewing equipment.
  • Local Events and Planetariums: Leading up to the eclipse, there might be events where vendors will offer eclipse glasses. Keep tabs on what the James S. McDonnell Planetarium and other educational venues are planning.
  • National Retail Chains: Retailers like Walmart, Lowe's, or Best Buy sometimes stock eclipse glasses. Visit the nearest locations or browse their online sites to see if they have stock available.

For each of these options, a Google Maps search will help you locate the closest vendor:

Timing the Heavenly Event: ⏱️

In order to be adequately prepared with your eclipse glasses, it helps to know exactly when to gear up for the event. Head over to Eclipse-Timer.com, where you'll find the precise timings for the eclipse's start, peak, and end in St. Louis' local time zone (America/Chicago).

Final Tips for Eclipse Day: ⭐

  • Always buy eclipse glasses from reputable vendors that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.
  • Test your glasses before the event according to the instructions provided to ensure they’re not damaged.
  • Remember that a significant obscuration of 99.04% means the sun will still be dangerous to look at without proper protection.

On April 8, 2024, be sure to don your eclipse glasses and witness the partial solar eclipse at its peak at 14:00:45 local time. Though the totality will not be visible in St. Louis, the city will still revel in a near-total eclipse—an occasion promising to be just as memorable.

Whether it's from the comfort of your own backyard, a gathering in one of the city's many parks, or a special event, with your safety ensured through proper eye protection, you're all set to take part in a remarkable natural phenomenon. Enjoy the view, St. Louis! 🌒✨

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