Updated: July 27, 2017

NASA issued a warning today letting people know unsafe eclipse glasses are being distributed by “unscrupulous companies.”

The space agency recommends only using eclipse glasses with ISO 12312-2 printed on them that have been printed by the four companies: American Paper Optics, Rainbow Symphony, Thousand Oaks Optical and TSE 1 NASA says buying eclipse glasses on Amazon does not ensure their safety to use.

It’s unsafe to look at the sun for any amount of time as it can possibly be dangerous and lead to permanent damage, that's why purchasing the proper eclipse glasses is so important.

The total solar eclipse in the Middle Tennessee area takes place Aug. 21.