A solar eclipse will be visible across the UK next week, and we’ve found some of the best specialist glasses to buy so you can safely watch the astronomical event as it happens
It’s been almost 10 years since the UK last got to witness a solar eclipse, but that’s all about to change. Next week the UK will get to see an almost complete solar eclipse as the new moon passes in front of the Sun, briefly blocking all sunlight, and clear weather could give us one of the best views.
The UK hasn’t seen a partial solar eclipse since back in 2015, and this year’s will be followed up by the Perseid meteor shower, which will reach its peak a couple of hours after the eclipse. Here’s everything you need to know about next week’s solar eclipse, and the specialist glasses you need to safely watch it.
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When is the next UK solar eclipse?
The next UK solar eclipse will begin shortly after 6pm on Wednesday August 12, when the new moon will begin to pass in front of the Sun. It should reach its maximum coverage at around 7:10pm, before ending around 8pm.
It’s worth noting that UK watchers won’t be able to see a full eclipse; we’ll only be able to witness about 96% coverage of the moon, which is still an impressive sight to behold. According to Royal Museums Greenwich, this will be the most coverage seen from the UK and Ireland since the 1999 solar eclipse, making it a truly special occasion.
To see the full eclipse, you’ll have to travel to areas like Spain, Greenland or Western Iceland for a full 100% eclipse. However, UK watchers will still see an impressive display, especially with the meteor shower following up just a couple of hours later.
How to watch the solar eclipse
It should go without saying, but to view a solar eclipse you must avoid looking directly into the Sun. Directly staring at the sun – even as it gets covered by the moon – can and will damage your eyes. Instead, you’ll need specialist glasses which allow you to watch the astronomical display in its entirety without risking harm.
And before you ask, no, your regular sunglasses won’t cut it. They might reduce the glare, making it feel more comfortable, but they don’t reduce the solar radiation and its effects.
You’ll need genuine eclipse glasses, which have been specially designed with filters that meet the international safety standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E). You should also make sure the lenses aren’t scratched, torn or punctured before using them.
Best solar eclipse glasses to buy
Celestron EclipSmart Solar Eclipse Glasses – £12.99 for a pack of four
Celestron glasses are one of the most reputable brands in the world, and are often sold at observatories to help with solar viewing. Although they’re sold out at locations like the Royal Museums Greenwich, you can pick up this pack of four for £12.99 from the Celestron shop on Amazon.
The filter conforms to the ISO 12312-2:2015(E) international safety standard for direct viewing of the Sun, and they can be folded at two different points for one-size-fits-all. Plus you’ll get a booklet included in the set, which gives you all the science and history of solar eclipses, fun facts, helpful hints, maps, and more. The same bundle of four glasses and a booklet is currently available at QVC, where it’s on sale down from £42.98 to £34.98.
Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses – £5.99
Also available at Amazon is this two pack of Soluna eclipse glasses, which are made in the USA by NASA-approved manufacturer American Paper Optics, and are recognized as ISO-compliant by the American Astronomical Society. They’ve been independently tested and verified under the current standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E) filters, so you can safely watch the solar eclipse through them. You can also pick up a multi pack of 10 of the glasses for £19.99 from Amazon which is ideal if you have a large family or are planning a viewing party of the phenomenon.
