Eclipse viewers should use certified safety glasses and report hotel cancellations in totality's path

Ahead of the solar eclipse that will darken skies over New York on Monday, the state Attorney General’s Office is warning people planning to watch about fake safety glasses and lenses, as well as what to do if your reservation for hotels and stays in the eclipse path are canceled.

In a statement Wednesday, state Attorney General Letitia James says eclipse viewers should make certain their viewing glasses are approved by the International Organization for Standardization — and have an ISO rating of 12312-2, which will appear on the frame. Purchasers also should make certain glasses are registered as "Solar View Brand” with the American Astronomical Society,  the attorney general’s office said.

“There are serious risks associated with not using proper eyewear when looking directly at an eclipse, which is why everyone should follow guidance to ensure their solar eclipse glasses are legitimate and safe to use,” James said in the statement. Anyone finding they’ve been duped with fake glasses should file a complaint with the attorney general’s office.

The attorney general’s office also warned that some hotels or stay locations may force last-minute cancellations — and, in some cases may attempt to price-gouge visitors — due to the expected demand for rooms in the eclipse path.

“Some areas of New York will see an influx of visitors,” James said, “and I encourage any consumer who has experienced a last-minute hotel cancellation, price gouging, or any other service disruption to contact my office.”

Solar eclipse viewing tips can be found on the NASA and American Astronomical Society websites. Officials warned that ordinary sunglasses should not be used as a replacement for eclipse glasses. Viewers should also check to make sure glasses and filters are not torn, scratched or damaged in any way the might impede their ray-blocking abilities.

The total eclipse path will travel a roughly 120-mile-wide corridor over many upstate areas, including Buffalo, Rochester, Watertown, Syracuse and Plattsburgh, while Long Islanders will experience about a 90% eclipse of the sun.

Anyone seeking to file an eclipse-related complaint with the attorney general's office can do so here.

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”