Blog

Be Smart and Safe by Following Eclipse Safety Procedures

Have you ever seen a total solar eclipse? These beautiful events are visible somewhere on the earth’s surface once every eighteen months. On August 21, 2017, you will have the opportunity to witness one of these astronomical wonders in the United States of America. Of course, since you will be looking at the sun during an eclipse.

Where Will You Be During The 2017 American Eclipse?

Solar eclipses are amazing and spectacular natural events. Unfortunately, they are not often visible in the United States. The last time a solar eclipse was seen in the United States was in the late 1970s, and due to bad weather in many places, not a lot of people had the opportunity to view it. This year, however, that will change!

Bill Nye Teams with American Paper Optics

American Paper Optics partners with Bill Nye the Science Guy to create exclusive eclipse glasses and promote safe eclipse viewing

MEMPHIS, TN, May 15th, 2017 – American Paper Optics, the world’s largest 3-D glasses manufacturing company, has announced its partnership with science communicator, television personality and chief executive of the Planetary Society Bill Nye, popularly known as Bill Nye the Science Guy, to raise awareness of and promote safety for the Aug. 21, 2017, total solar eclipse.

With less than 100 days to go before what has been deemed the “Great American Eclipse” passes over the United States, sky watchers must know how to protect their eyes while viewing the eclipse. To further prepare the public, American Paper Optics has exclusively manufactured Bill Nye the Science Guy eclipse glasses, which will be used as safe educational tools at schools, planetariums, science centers and retailers. Coming in 2 different designs, these astro-science themed Bill Nye eclipse glasses are beautifully printed with instructions and best safety practices on the backside. A limited-edition pair of plastic Bill Nye eclipse glasses will also be available in early June.

“While the excitement continues to grow about the upcoming phenomenon, our top priority is ensuring viewer safety,” said John Jerit, president and CEO of APO. “We’re thrilled to work with Bill Nye, who is such an influential figure in science and popular culture. The partnership just made perfect sense! Our Bill Nye commemorative Eclipser® glasses are hands down the best way to prepare the public for Aug. 21. For the time being, Bill Nye the Science Guy is also Bill Nye the Eclipse Guy.”

The 12 states that will witness the total solar eclipse fall within the “Path of Totality.” Viewers inside the path will need the glasses for the partial phases but can carefully view those rare and beautiful few minutes of totality without the glasses. Viewers outside the 12 states will need to wear the glasses the entire time. APO’s safe solar glasses block the harmful ultraviolet and infrared rays of light that come from the sun and are essential for viewing the partial phases that precede and follow totality. 300 million people are set to see the eclipse, while over 100 million people are estimated to be traveling to take in this historic event in August.

 

Getting Ready for the "Super-Bowl of the Sky"

Bartlett company making glasses for total eclipse, ‘Super Bowl of the Sky’

 

BARTLETT, Tenn.-- If you didn’t like how this years Super Bowl turned out you have a chance to see another one but you’ll have to look up.

It’s being called "the Super Bowl of the sky" and Tuesday, February 21, officially marks six months until portions of the United States will experience a full solar eclipse.

It’s been decades since this has happened and there’s a company in Bartlett playing a major role, providing tens of millions of glasses to safely watch the eclipse as it happens.

It’s a typical day at American Paper Optics in Bartlett and the machines are pedal to the metal.

WREG was given an inside look (watch video now)

The special solar glasses are designed, printed, folded and glued for hundreds of museums, schools and companies across the country, potentially up to a million per day.  They’re manufactured right in Bartlett, Tennessee but come August 21 you will find them playing a crucial role for tens of millions of Americans as they step outside to see this a solar eclipse.

Some parts of the country will experience the full eclipse.

The full eclipse will stretch from Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina. John Jerit is the President of American Paper Optics, the man helping people experience history.

"Our goal is to sell at least 100 million glasses," he explained.

Jerit has been making glasses for more than 16 years out of Bartlett, you can see for yourself his company has had their hand in a myriad of projects, many calling for 3-D glasses.

"We even did 134 million glasses for the Super Bowl in 2009," he said.

Right now they’re focusing on the upcoming total eclipse.

"You’ll see it in Memphis. In Memphis you’re going to have a 94% eclipse which is great but there’s nothing like getting to totality. Which is 100% so for here the closest place would be Nashville, Tennessee or Carbondale, Illinois," explained Jerit.

The paper glasses help you safely look at the sun and watch the eclipse happen and if it’s a total eclipse you can safely take them off and look at the sky.

"You’ll get two minutes of the day becoming night, temperatures dropping 12 degrees, animals being confused and people going crazy," said Jerit with a smile.

It’s a moment Jerit is excited for Mid-Southerners to witness, that could have a lasting impact.

"This is a lifetime experience. This is the kind of experience that influences children to become mathematicians, astronomers, physicists. It’s an amazing event," he said.

 

Click image below for more information and a tour of the APO facility!

World's Largest Pair of Safe Solar Glasses

MEMPHIS, Tenn., March 21, 2017 -- As the U.S. gears up for the next total solar eclipse taking place Aug. 21, American Paper Optics, the world's leading manufacturer of solar eclipse and 3-D glasses, has built the world's largest pair of functioning safe solar eclipse glasses. Measuring at approximately 32 feet wide and 3 feet high, the glasses represent the magnitude of the event that John Jerit, owner and CEO of APO, fervently refers to as 'the largest event in the sky.'

 

 (John Jerit photographed with the largest pair of eclipse glasses)

Not only are the glasses unique in size, but the fact that they are completely functional (meaning, people can stand behind them, look through the ISO-certified lens and safely view the sun) makes them that much more impressive. APO built the glasses to help the U.S. commemorate what could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many of the more than 300 million people estimated to view the eclipse.

The journey to building the glasses began in late 2016, when Jerit contemplated the most creative way to remember the rare eclipse for years to come. Shortly thereafter, the construction process launched into full swing. From meticulously creating the design to deciding on the appropriate specifications to ensure the glasses were in fact the 'world's largest,' the glasses have now made a clear statement – you don't want to miss Aug. 21, the day when people across the country will witness the first total solar eclipse visible from the continental U.S. in nearly four decades.

Those lucky enough to live in or who are planning a trip to one of the 12 states located along the Path of Totality will be among the many to witness the full total solar eclipse. Outside the path, viewers will witness a partial eclipse.

However, no matter where people physically are located in the U.S. on Aug. 21, they will need a pair of safe solar eclipse glasses. The glasses can be custom-branded for any individual, company or organization – using size, shape and color scheme – to commemorate the eclipse.