The Jacksonville Public Library gave out about 5,000 solar eclipse glasses earlier this month, and now it’s asking for them back — as well as any others people might be holding onto — after the August 21 eclipse.
Library spokesman Chris Boivin said the donated glasses will be sent to other countries set to experience a total eclipse much sooner than Florida.
“In 2019 there will be another total eclipse... going across the southern part of South America.” Boivin said, “(Florida) won’t be near the path of totality...until 2045.”
All 21 library branches are accepting glasses, which will be donated through the Astronomers Without Borders program. Libraries will take them until the middle of September.
The library is partnering with Jacksonville University to collect them, Boivin said. JU Physics Professor Brian Lane helped the library get most of the glasses it gave out, he said.
Another total solar eclipse will be visible in the U.S. in 2024, and one in 2045 will put Florida in the direct path of total darkness.
Lindsey Kilbride can be reached at lkilbride@wjct.org, 904-358-6359 or on Twitter at @lindskilbride.
