Solar Eclipse Glasses: As the partial solar eclipse approaches on August 12, 2026, severe shortages of protective eyewear are reported across France, with local pharmacies and opticians running out of stock. Standard sunglasses do not protect your eyes. Always use certified viewers displaying the CE mark and ISO 12312-2 standard. Here’s all you need to know about these Solar Eclipse Glasses, how they work, safety advisory, and more.
Solar Eclipse Glasses: Shortages of Solar Eclipse Viewing Glasses
Solar eclipse glasses protect your eyes by filtering out 99.999% of intense sunlight and harmful ultraviolet (UV) or infrared (IR) radiation. With shortages expected ahead of upcoming eclipses, securing safe eyewear early is critical to prevent permanent eye damage.
Solar Eclipse Glasses: How Solar Eclipse Glasses Work
Regular sunglasses—even those with dark or polarized lenses—are not safe for looking directly at the sun. Solar eclipse glasses use specialized filters to make direct viewing safe.
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Black Polymer / Mylar Filters: These lenses are infused with carbon particles or coated with thin layers of aluminum. They block almost all visible light and entirely absorb dangerous UV and IR rays.
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The ISO 12312-2 Standard: Safe glasses must meet this international safety specification. This certification guarantees the lenses block the correct amount of solar radiation.
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Absolute Opacity: When wearing genuine eclipse glasses indoors, you should not be able to see household objects, walls, or lights. Only the sun itself or an extremely bright light source (like a phone flashlight held close) will be visible.
Solar Eclipse Glasses: How to Verify and Spot Fake Glasses
Counterfeit glasses often flood the market during shortages. Protect your vision by verifying these details before using them:
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Check the ISO Label: Look for the exact text “ISO 12312-2” (sometimes written as ISO 12312-2:2015) printed on the frame.
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Look for Reputable Manufacturers: Buy from vendors certified by astronomical organizations or national science institutes.
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Inspect for Damage: Do not use glasses if the lenses are scratched, wrinkled, punctured, or separating from the cardboard frame.
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Test Them Safely: Put the glasses on indoors first. If you can see normal room details or regular lights, they are fake and unsafe.
Solar Eclipse Glasses: Alternative Safe Viewing Methods
If you cannot find certified eclipse glasses due to shortages, you can still view the eclipse safely using indirect methods:
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Pinhole Projectors: Punch a small hole in a piece of cardboard. Let the sunlight pass through the hole onto a white piece of paper held below it. You will see a safe, projected image of the crescent sun.
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Welder’s Glass: You can use welder’s goggles or shields, but only if they are rated Shade 14 or higher. Anything lower is unsafe for direct solar viewing.
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Colanders or Tree Leaves: Sunlight filtering through a kitchen colander or the gaps between leaves on a tree will project dozens of tiny eclipse shadows onto the ground.
Solar Eclipse Glasses: Upcoming Solar Eclipse in UK
The next major celestial event in the UK is a deep partial solar eclipse on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. This will be the most dramatic solar eclipse witnessed in the UK since 1999, with 90% to 96% of the sun obscured by the moon. While the path of total darkness (totality) passes just southwest of the British Isles over Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, the entire UK will experience a striking evening spectacle.
Solar Eclipse Glasses: Can’t Find Eclipse Glasses?
Due to widespread stock shortages reported across Europe, you can safely watch the eclipse indirectly by punching a small hole in a piece of cardboard to project the sun’s crescent shape onto a piece of white paper below. Alternatively, you can watch a live online broadcast mapping the event.
