The upcoming partial solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, will be the most impactful in the UK and Ireland since 1999, according to the Royal Museums Greenwich. To watch it safely, shoppers are snapping up protective eyewear like the Celestron EclipSmart 3 Piece Solar Eclipse Observing & Imaging Kit, now £26.99 on Amazon (down from £29.99).
Eclipse and Meteor Shower Timings
The eclipse is expected to start at 6:17pm London time, with maximum coverage around 7:12pm, though timings vary across the UK and Ireland. Immediately after, the Perseid meteor shower will peak overnight from August 12 to 13, offering bright meteors and occasional fireballs. NASA advises viewing the Perseids in pre-dawn hours, but meteors can be seen as early as 10pm.
Why Proper Protection Is Essential
Looking directly at the Sun during an eclipse can damage eyesight, as the Sun appears dimmer, tempting onlookers to stare. Regular sunglasses are not adequate. The Celestron kit includes glasses that meet international safety standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E), blocking 99.999% of visible light and harmful IR and UV radiation. The kit also features a camera filter for smartphones and high-tech cameras, plus an educational booklet.
For those who wear prescription glasses, the Fit-Over Solar Eclipse Glasses from Absolute Eclipse, priced at £22, are EN ISO 12312-2 certified and fit comfortably over glasses.
Shopper Reviews
The Celestron kit is a bestseller on Amazon, with over 500 purchased in the past month. One reviewer said: "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." Another praised the kit for starting a new facet of photography, while a third noted: "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."
Some customers offered minor critiques, such as one who felt the quality could be higher, and another who thought the price point should be lower. Nevertheless, the kit remains a popular choice for safe solar viewing.
