A partial solar eclipse will occur over the UK on Wednesday, August 12, followed by the Perseid meteor shower, but time is running out to purchase the necessary glasses and camera equipment to view and photograph the event safely.
The eclipse will obscure approximately 90-96% of the Sun, making it the most significant eclipse visible across the UK and Ireland since 1999, according to the Royal Museums Greenwich. The eclipse is expected to begin at 6:17pm London time, with maximum coverage around 7:12pm, though timings will vary slightly across the UK and Ireland.
Risks of Direct Viewing
Observing a solar eclipse carries genuine risks. According to the government's official website, the Sun's reduced brightness during an eclipse can tempt people into looking at it directly, which may cause lasting damage to eyesight. Standard sunglasses offer insufficient protection, so astronomy enthusiasts are advised to invest in glasses meeting the international safety standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E).
One recommended option is the Celestron EclipSmart 3 Piece Solar Eclipse Observing and Imaging Kit, available for £29.99. The kit includes safety-certified sunglasses, a camera filter, and an informational booklet. According to the product listing, the sunglasses block 99.999% of visible light as well as harmful IR and UV radiation, and they feature an orange tint for added safety.
Customer Feedback
One shopper wrote: "I really like the glasses: you can look directly into the sun, and they protect your eyes, and they're very comfortable and don't fall off. The camera phone filter also works well." Another noted: "These solar glasses are certified safe to wear. Used the glasses today to view the eclipse. I could see the eclipse very clearly with the glasses."
However, some customers offered minor criticisms. One wrote: "The glasses work well. I could see the last solar eclipse in April. The quality should be a little bit higher." Another questioned the value: "These items are great - but expensive. I wanted a reputable brand, considering I am looking at the sun! Glasses fit well. The filter does the job. Paid £29.99, think the price point should be 1/2 that."
Alternatives and Additional Options
A version of the Celestron kit is also available for £27.99 from QVC, including one pair of plastic-framed eclipse glasses, four paper-framed glasses, an imaging filter, and two eclipse guidebooks. For those who wear prescription glasses, the Fit-Over Solar Eclipse Glasses for Prescription Glasses from Absolute Eclipse are available for £22, described as an "EN ISO 12312-2 certified solar viewer, the European adoption of the international EN ISO 12312-2:2015 guide, safe for direct viewing of the 12 August 2026 total eclipse."
The Celestron kit is currently a bestseller on Amazon, with more than 500 units purchased in the past month. As the eclipse approaches, enthusiasts are urged to secure their equipment promptly to ensure a safe and memorable viewing experience.
