The total solar eclipse on 12 August will be the first visible from the UK since 1999, with around 90 per cent of the sun covered by the moon. For those watching, proper eye protection is essential.
Why glasses are essential
Dr Greg Brown, astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, warns that looking at the sun without protection can be very harmful. He says: “Looking at the sun without protection for any length of time can be very harmful to our eyes. The intense light and ultraviolet radiation can cause damage to the retina, possibly resulting in permanently impaired vision and even blindness. Even during a partial eclipse, the light of the Sun is still too bright to be safe.”
He advises against using ordinary sunglasses, stating: “Not under any circumstances use ordinary sunglasses – not only do these not provide the necessary protection from the sun’s light, but the little light that they do block will make viewing the sun feel more comfortable even while the risk is still very much present.”
Features of solar eclipse glasses
Solar eclipse glasses have a special silver filter that blocks all but one part in 100,000 of the sun’s light, with some transmitting even less. They also reduce ultraviolet radiation to safe levels.
Best options under £30
Affordable options are available on Amazon. The Lunt Solar Eclipse Glasses, priced at £14.99 for a pack of five, meet EN ISO 12312-2:2015 standards and filter 99.999 per cent of visible light. For glasses wearers, the Absolute Eclipse Fit-Over Glasses at £22.85 fit over prescription frames.
