The UK is gearing up for a significant celestial event: a partial solar eclipse will be visible across the country on 12 August 2026. With this rare occurrence comes a critical reminder from astronomers and eye health professionals: never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. To safely enjoy the spectacle, you'll need a pair of certified solar eclipse glasses, and they're selling fast.
Why You Need Certified Solar Eclipse Glasses
Looking at the sun without protection can cause serious and permanent eye damage, including solar retinopathy, which can lead to blurred vision or even blindness. Regular sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not sufficient. The only safe way to view a solar eclipse directly is with glasses that meet the international safety standard ISO 12312-2.
According to the Royal Astronomical Society, certified eclipse glasses filter out 100% of harmful ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation. They are thousands of times darker than ordinary sunglasses, making it safe to look at the sun for short periods.
Where to Buy Solar Eclipse Glasses in the UK
With the eclipse just months away, demand for eclipse glasses is high. Here are some of the most reliable places to purchase them:
- Online retailers: Amazon, eBay, and specialist astronomy shops like First Light Optics and Wex Photo Video offer a wide range of certified glasses. Prices typically range from £2 to £15 depending on brand and quantity.
- Science museums and planetariums: Institutions like the Science Museum in London and the National Space Centre in Leicester often stock eclipse viewers and may host viewing events.
- Opticians and photographic stores: Some high-street opticians and camera shops carry eclipse glasses, especially in the months leading up to the event.
- Astronomy societies: Local astronomy groups often sell glasses at public events or through their websites.
What to Look For When Buying
Not all eclipse glasses are created equal. To ensure safety, always check that the product is certified to ISO 12312-2. This certification should be clearly stated on the packaging or product description. Avoid glasses that are scratched, wrinkled, or damaged in any way.
Be wary of counterfeit products, especially on marketplaces. Look for reputable brands such as Celestron, Lunt Solar Systems, and American Paper Optics, which are widely used and trusted by astronomers.
Alternative Viewing Methods
If you can't get hold of eclipse glasses, there are safe indirect viewing methods. A simple pinhole projector can be made at home with just two pieces of card or a cardboard box and some foil. This projects an image of the sun onto a surface, allowing you to watch the eclipse without looking at the sun directly.
The Royal Astronomical Society advises that you should never use binoculars, telescopes, or cameras to view the eclipse unless they are fitted with specialist solar filters.
The August 2026 Eclipse: A Big Event for the UK
The partial solar eclipse on 12 August 2026 will be visible from all parts of the UK, with the greatest obscuration occurring in the north-west of Scotland, where around 90% of the sun will be covered. In Birmingham, the eclipse will begin at around 10:08 BST and reach its maximum at 11:11 BST, when about 89% of the sun will be hidden.
This is the most significant solar eclipse visible from the UK since 1999, and the next total solar eclipse visible from the UK won't occur until 2090. As a result, astronomers and educators are urging everyone to plan ahead and secure safe viewing equipment well in advance.
Act Now to Avoid Disappointment
With demand expected to surge as the date approaches, experts recommend purchasing your eclipse glasses now. Retailers may run out of stock, and prices could rise due to scarcity. By buying certified glasses early, you can ensure you're ready to witness this awe-inspiring event safely.
