While some pay top dollars, many can witness the total solar eclipse for free.

Safety is paramount; eye protection is crucial to avoid damage from solar radiation.

Experts caution against looking at the sun, even briefly, to prevent irreversible eye damage, according to CNBC.

Get ready for the April 8 solar eclipse; protect your eyes with special glasses, even Bill Nye-branded ones.

NASA advises using specific eclipse glasses or handheld viewers. Regular sunglasses aren't safe for solar viewing. Follow NASA's guidelines for safe viewing.

Here are some places where to find free glasses for the solar eclipse:

Staten Island Museum

The Staten Island Museum will be giving away eclipse glasses to visitors all weekend long. You can pick up a pair on Saturday, April 6, and Saturday, April 7, between 11 AM and 5 PM at the museum located at 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A, Snug Harbor.

Just to be clear, you need to pay to get into the museum. Tickets are $8 for adults and $2 for kids, and then you can get the eclipse glasses for free! 

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New York Welcome Centers 

You can get limited-edition I LOVE NY eclipse glasses at 30 places across New York State. These include New York State Welcome Centers and certain service areas along the NYS Thruway, per TimeOut. 

Each person can get two pairs while supplies last, but there's only a limited amount given out each day.

If you're in New York City, you can pick up a pair at Moynihan Train Hall's MTA Long Island Railroad Ticket Windows. They are open every day from 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM.

And if you're on Long Island, head to the Long Island Welcome Center at 5100 Long Island Expressway, Eastbound between Exits 51 & 52, in Dix Hills. They are open from 7 AM to 9 PM daily.

Public libraries

Solar eclipse glasses are available on a first-come, first-served basis at all New York Public Library and Queens Public Library branches until supplies run out.

In addition, selected Brooklyn Public Library locations will offer them on specific dates.

Please be aware that you'll need to sign a liability waiver when you collect your glasses.

This giveaway is made possible through a partnership with the National Esports Association (NEA), which has launched the "Look Up!" campaign to encourage New Yorkers to safely enjoy the solar eclipse.

Warby Parker stores

Warby Parker is stepping up its eyewear game by offering free solar eclipse glasses at all its stores until the big day. 

You can grab eclipse glasses while they're available, but supplies are limited. 

With over a dozen Warby Parker stores across New York City, especially in Manhattan, it's convenient to get your hands on a pair before the eclipse. 

READ MORE: August 2017: Rare Total Solar Eclipse to Grace Skies Across the US, First in Nearly Four Decades 

This article is owned by Latin Post. 

Written by: Ross Key 

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