Total Solar Eclipse: Beware of Fake Glasses and Misleading Information

Rochester, New York United States of America
NASA has shared an easy method to vet eclipse glasses at home by putting them on and looking at a bright light with scratches or damage not safe to use.
The American Astronomical Society (AAS) has stated that there are no unsafe glasses on the market yet, but some manufacturers have been found to display false or misleading information on their packaging or design. The AAS maintains a list of official sellers and manufacturers for safe eclipse glasses, which includes well-known North American manufacturers like American Paper Optics and several large grocery and retail chains in the U.S.
The upcoming April 8 total solar eclipse is causing concern about fake or counterfeit glasses.
Total Solar Eclipse: Beware of Fake Glasses and Misleading Information

The upcoming April 8 total solar eclipse is causing concern about fake or counterfeit glasses. The American Astronomical Society (AAS) has stated that there are no unsafe glasses on the market yet, but some manufacturers have been found to display false or misleading information on their packaging or design. The AAS maintains a list of official sellers and manufacturers for safe eclipse glasses, which includes well-known North American manufacturers like American Paper Optics and several large grocery and retail chains in the U.S. NASA has shared an easy method to vet eclipse glasses at home by putting them on and looking at a bright light with scratches or damage not safe to use.


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Confidence

90%

Doubts
  • It's possible that some fake glasses may slip through the cracks of official sellers and manufacturers.

Sources

75%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

A list of solar eclipse events across the nation from Texas to Maine

USA Today Friday, 15 March 2024 00:00
  • Unique Points
    • On April 8, the moon will obscure the entire face of the sun resulting in a sudden transformation of day into night.
    • Over a dozen lucky U.S. states are located in the eclipse's path of totality spanning from Texas to Maine.
    • Experts expect up to four million people to tune into this year's total solar eclipse, mainly because it will be two minutes longer than 2017’s.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that experts expect up to four million people to tune into the eclipse and citing HotelPlanner CEO Tim Hentschel's statement without providing any evidence or sources for this claim.
    • > Experts expect up to four million people
    • > Simply put, this will be one of the most viewed celestial events in history
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    The article discusses the upcoming solar eclipse in April of 2024 and lists events across the country that will be affected by it. The author is Tim Hentschel, CEO of HotelPlanner who has a financial stake in hotels located within the path of totality.
    • HotelPlanner CEO Tim Hentschel
      • Tim Hentschel, CEO of HotelPlanner
      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication

      67%

      The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
      (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

      A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

      Total Solar Eclipse Weather Map: Track Historical Cloudy Conditions Near You

      The Name Of The NZ Prefix. I PWA NZI.P.Was Dropped. Josh Katz, Thursday, 14 March 2024 18:44
      • Unique Points
        • Total Solar Eclipse will occur on April 8, 2024 in the contiguous United States or Canada.
        • Mexico has to wait even longer for a total solar eclipse.
        • <Enter location> in box below to see average cloud cover in past.
      • Accuracy
        • Cloudy conditions could affect your ability to see the Total Solar Eclipse.
        • The upcoming April 8 total solar eclipse is causing concern about fake or counterfeit glasses.
      • Deception (50%)
        The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title of the article suggests that it will provide information on how to track historical cloudy conditions near you during a total solar eclipse. However, this is not what the article does at all. Instead, it provides an interactive map showing average cloud cover for April 7 through April 14 over the past 20 years using measurements collected by NASA's Aqua satellite. This information is presented as if it will help you determine where to go in order to see a clear sky during the eclipse, but this is not accurate. The map does not take into account other factors that can affect cloud cover such as atmospheric conditions or local weather patterns. Additionally, the article states that average cloud fraction for the eight-day period spanning April 7 through April 14 was derived from satellite measurements taken at approximately 1:30 p.m. local time, but it does not provide any information on how these measurements were obtained or what their accuracy is.
        • The title of the article suggests that it will provide information on how to track historical cloudy conditions near you during a total solar eclipse.
      • Fallacies (75%)
        The article contains an appeal to authority by citing NASA Aqua/MODIS as the source of historical cloud cover data. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric when they describe the potential disappointment for those who want to see a total solar eclipse but may not be able to due to clouds.
        • The Times will provide forecast data closer to April 8.
      • Bias (80%)
        The article is biased towards the topic of total solar eclipse weather map and tracking historical cloudy conditions near you. The author uses language that dehumanizes those who are not interested in seeing a total solar eclipse by saying 'your shot at seeing the spectacle could be lost'. They also use examples such as Mexico having to wait even longer for another opportunity, which is used to create an emotional response rather than providing factual information. The author uses language that creates fear and urgency around the topic of cloudy conditions on eclipse day, saying 'it's still too early to know with much certainty what the weather will be like in your area that day'. This statement is not based on any evidence or facts provided in the article.
        • It's still too early to know with much certainty what the weather will be like in your area that day
          • Mexico has to wait even longer for another opportunity to see a total solar eclipse
            • Your shot at seeing a total solar eclipse could be lost if clouds fill the sky as it passes between sun and Earth
            • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
              The article discusses the upcoming total solar eclipse and provides a weather map to track cloudy conditions near you. The authors have financial ties with NASA Aqua/MODIS as they are part of the team that created Eclipse Explorer by Fred Espenak and Chris O'Byrne, which is mentioned in the article.
              • The article discusses a composite map above that is derived from satellite measurements taken at just one time of day around 1:30 p.m. local time around 2014 and large-scale atmospheric dynamics like El Niño can have a big influence over cloud formation.
                • The authors are part of the team that created Eclipse Explorer by Fred Espenak and Chris O'Byrne, which is mentioned in the article.
                • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                  The author has a financial interest in the topic of solar eclipses as they run a website that provides detailed analysis of weather conditions to aid eclipse chasers. They also have personal relationships with storm chasers who may be affected by the cloud cover during the solar eclipse.
                  • Jay Anderson runs a website, Eclipsophile, that provides detailed analysis of weather conditions to aid eclipse chasers.

                  86%

                  The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                  (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                  A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                  Fake eclipse glasses have caused alarm. Here's what to know for April's total eclipse.

                  USA Today Wednesday, 13 March 2024 00:00
                  • Unique Points
                    • The upcoming April 8 total solar eclipse is causing concern about fake or counterfeit glasses.
                    • Rick Fienberg, the project manager of the American Astronomical Society's solar eclipse task force, has stated that there are no unsafe glasses on the market yet.
                    • Some manufacturers have been found to display false or misleading information on their packaging or design.
                    • The AAS maintains a list of official sellers and manufacturers for safe eclipse glasses, which includes well-known North American manufacturers like American Paper Optics and several large grocery and retail chains in the U.S.
                    • NASA has shared an easy method to vet eclipse glasses at home by putting them on and looking at a bright light with scratches or damage not safe to use.
                    • The current international standard for solar eclipse viewers, called ISO 12312-2, was adopted nine years ago after gaining signatures from almost every country in the world.
                    • Amazon has recalled some eclipse glasses ahead of previous events due to problems with verifying the standard.
                    • Fienberg believes that many vendors on Amazon don't provide evidence that their glasses come from an approved manufacturer, and AAS surveyors have no way to tell.
                    • The majority of the Chinese-made glasses seem to be safe after testing.
                  • Accuracy
                    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
                  • Deception (50%)
                    The article is misleading in that it states there have been no reports of fake or counterfeit glasses on the market. However, this statement contradicts information provided later in the article where experts state they do see glasses coming from China with false or misleading information on their packaging or design.
                    • The article claims there are no reports of fake or counterfeit glasses on the market. This is a lie by omission as it fails to mention that some eclipse glasses for sale display false or misleading information on their packaging and design.
                  • Fallacies (90%)
                    None Found At Time Of Publication
                  • Bias (100%)
                    None Found At Time Of Publication
                  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                    None Found At Time Of Publication
                  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                    None Found At Time Of Publication

                  75%

                  The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                  (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                  A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                  2024 Solar Eclipse: The 13 Best Cities to See the Phenomenon

                  www.architecturaldigest.com Katherine McLaughlin Friday, 08 March 2024 16:32
                  • Unique Points
                    • The next total solar eclipse after the upcoming one in April 2024 will happen in July, which will see almost seven-and-a-half minutes of totality.
                    • Experts expect up to four million people to tune into this year's total solar eclipse, mainly because it will be two minutes longer than 2017's.
                  • Accuracy
                    • The next total solar eclipse won't be for another 20 years.
                    • Over a dozen lucky U.S. states are located in the eclipse’s path of totality spanning from Texas to Maine.
                  • Deception (50%)
                    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that there won't be another total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States until 2044 when in fact it will happen again in April of this year. Secondly, the author states that a total solar eclipse means the moon will completely block the sun's face and if you are in its path, you can see the sun's corona and outer atmosphere but fails to mention that totality only lasts for a few minutes. Thirdly, while it is true that other types of eclipses occur when the moon covers only some of the sun resulting in a crescent shape, this information is not relevant to understanding what a total solar eclipse means and how it differs from other types of eclipses.
                    • The author claims there won't be another total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States until 2044 when in fact it will happen again in April of this year. This is a lie by omission.
                  • Fallacies (85%)
                    The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that NASA explains the phenomenon and what protective eye gear is necessary. This statement implies that NASA's explanation is accurate without providing any evidence or citation for it.
                    • NASA explains “A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth that either fully or partially blocks the sun’s light in some areas.”
                    • According to NASA, there won't be another total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States until 2044.
                    • For the few minutes when the moon is fully blocking the sun (totality), viewers can look directly at it without any eye protection. Any other time, including before and after totality when you see a partial eclipse, it's important to wear protective eye gear.
                  • Bias (85%)
                    The author has a clear bias towards the topic of solar eclipses and their importance. The article is written in an enthusiastic tone that encourages readers to experience the event. This enthusiasm can be seen throughout the text as it repeatedly emphasizes how rare and special total solar eclipses are, making them all the more important to catch this one.
                    • For a few minutes when the moon is fully blocking the sun—know as totality—viewers can look directly at the sun without any eye protection. Any other time, including the hours before and after totality when you'll see a partial eclipse, it's important to wear protective eye gear.
                      • The natural phenomenon occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth and blocks the entirety of sun’s face. According to NASA, there won't be another total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States until 2044.
                        • This year, the solar eclipse’s path will start in Texas and move northeast towards Maine.
                        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication
                        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication

                        75%

                        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                        Solar Eclipse Path 2024: Rochester, NY Preps for an Invasion

                        New York Magazine Lane Brown Thursday, 14 March 2024 09:00
                        • Unique Points
                          • The upcoming quarterly refunding update from the US Treasury will provide information on how much bond supply there will be
                          • Half a million eclipse hunters are set to invade Rochester, NY on April 8th for the total solar eclipse
                          • Rachel Laber Pulvino, a spokesperson for Visit Rochester says that half a million people visited Greenville, South Carolina during the last North American total eclipse in 2017 and expects similar numbers in Rochester
                          • The largest easternmost city that will see the full benefits of the eclipse is Rochester, NY
                        • Accuracy
                          No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
                        • Deception (50%)
                          The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that Rochester will be the only city to see the full benefits of the eclipse and therefore present the most convenient vantage for eclipse hunters from major seaboard cities. However, this statement is false as other cities such as Greenville, South Carolina were also similarly positioned for the last North American total solar eclipse in 2017.
                          • The article states that Rochester will be the only city to see the full benefits of the eclipse and therefore present the most convenient vantage for eclipse hunters from major seaboard cities. However, this statement is false as other cities such as Greenville, South Carolina were also similarly positioned for the last North American total solar eclipse in 2017.
                          • The article states that Rochester will make the most of this opportunity and unleash the greatest eclipse celebration that Western New York has ever seen. However, it does not provide any evidence to support this claim.
                        • Fallacies (100%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication
                        • Bias (85%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication
                        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication
                        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication