The Best ISO-Certified Gear to See the 2017 Solar Eclipse

EclipseView™ 114-mm Reflecting Telescope

For an even better view of the solar eclipse and other things in space, Meade's 114-mm EclipseView™ telescope is the way to go. When you're not looking at an eclipse, you can use this telescope to view planets, nebulae and other cosmic sights with great clarity. ($189 on Amazon)

Why we love it: This telescope is lightweight and portable, and setup takes only a few seconds.

Buy EclipseView™ 114-mm Reflecting Telescope on Amazon.com.

"Totality: The Great American Eclipses of 2017 and 2024"

The experts lay out everything you need to know about the Great American Total Solar Eclipse of 2017 and the next solar eclipse that will cross the U.S. in 2024. ($23 on Amazon)

Why we love it: This comprehensive guide to solar eclipses includes plenty of history and science as well as important information for anyone planning to see either of the two upcoming solar eclipses in the United States.

Buy Totality: The Great American Eclipses of 2017 and 2024 on Amazon.com.

EclipSmart™ Solar Shades

Editor's Note: As of Aug. 8 these glasses are unavailable.

Space Racers Kids Eclipse Kit

Space Racers/AugustEclipse.com

Editor's Note: As of Aug. 8, only Family Kits remain in stock.

Teachers and parents of young kids may want to invest in the Space Racers Eclipse Kit, which features characters from the popular TV show. The kit comes with safety-certified eclipse viewing glasses, an 11" x 17" eclipse map, a 12-page booklet with viewing tips, safety guidelines and activities, and a limited-edition, embroidered Space Racers mission patch.

Why we love it:Young kids will enjoy seeing familiar characters. The associated website provides a good opportunity to teach youngsters about eclipse science and eclipse-viewing safety.

Order the kit or find more information at Teachers and parents of young kids may want to invest in the Space Racers Eclipse Kit, which features characters from the popular kids TV show. The kit comes with safety-certified eclipse viewing glasses, an 11" x 17" eclipse map, a 12-page booklet with viewing tips, safety guidelines and activities, and a limited-edition, embroidered Space Racers mission patch.

Order the kit or find more information at AugustEclipse.com.

"Sun Catcher" Sunglasses (2-Pack)

Editor's Note: After Aug. 8, delivery of these glasses is not guaranteed before the solar eclipse.

Enjoy the solar eclipse with a friend with these basic, affordable and ISO safety-rated solar eclipse glasses from Explore Scientific. ($2.49 from Explore Scientific)

Why we love it: These "Sun Catcher" sunglasses are just slightly more stylish than the standard paper eclipse viewers for the same low price.

Buy "Sun Catcher" Sunglasses (2-Pack) here.

Solar Eclipse Sunglasses

Editor's Note: As of Aug. 8, this store is mostly sold out, and open only for limited times.

These plastic eclipse sunglasses have ISO-approved solar filters just like the paper glasses, but they're higher quality and built to last. While the wrap-around goggles don't fit over other eyeglass frames, the folding eclipse shades can be worn over your regular glasses. ($20 from Rainbow Symphony)

Why we love it: These sunglasses offer the same great protection as the paper eclipse glasses, but they're more comfortable to wear, and you won't have to worry about them falling off your face.

Buy Plastic Eclipse Shades here.

Ultra 8-Piece Sun Observing & Imaging Kit

Editor's Note: As of Aug. 8, this product is listed on Amazon as taking 1-2 months for delivery.

"Sun Catcher" 5x30 Binoculars

Editor's Note: As of Aug. 8, this product takes 8-10 weeks for delivery.

"Sun Catcher" 50-mm Telescope

Editor's Note: After Aug. 8, this product may not ship in time for the Aug. 21 solar eclipse.

Explore Scientific's "Sun Catcher" telescope allows for a safe, zoomed-in view of the total solar eclipse on a budget. This version comes with a 50-millimeter lens. ($20 on Amazon)

Why we love it: These telescopes are relatively affordable, lightweight and compact. They contain an ISO-rated safety filter that can be removed after the solar eclipse, making it useful for year-round stargazing – no eclipse necessary!

Buy "Sun Catcher" 50-mm Telescope here.

Add-On Solar Filters for Telescopes

Editor's Note: As of Aug. 8, Explore Scientific does not list variable aperture solar filters.

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Hanneke Weitering
Contributing expert

Hanneke Weitering is a multimedia journalist in the Pacific Northwest reporting on the future of aviation at FutureFlight.aero and Aviation International News and was previously the Editor for Spaceflight and Astronomy news here at Space.com. As an editor with over 10 years of experience in science journalism she has previously written for Scholastic Classroom Magazines, MedPage Today and The Joint Institute for Computational Sciences at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. After studying physics at the University of Tennessee in her hometown of Knoxville, she earned her graduate degree in Science, Health and Environmental Reporting (SHERP) from New York University. Hanneke joined the Space.com team in 2016 as a staff writer and producer, covering topics including spaceflight and astronomy. She currently lives in Seattle, home of the Space Needle, with her cat and two snakes. In her spare time, Hanneke enjoys exploring the Rocky Mountains, basking in nature and looking for dark skies to gaze at the cosmos.