Eclipse chasers scramble for glasses as stocks run low
Summary
People in the UK are rushing to buy special glasses to safely watch a solar eclipse on Wednesday, but many stores and online sellers have run out. Health experts warn that looking at the sun without proper glasses can cause serious eye damage, and they recommend using only glasses that meet a strict safety standard or watching the eclipse indirectly through videos.Key Facts
- The UK will see its biggest solar eclipse since 1999, with about 90% of the sun covered by the moon.
- Special eclipse glasses are needed to safely view the eclipse; regular sunglasses do not offer enough protection.
- Glasses must meet the international safety standard called ISO 12312-2 and be free from scratches or damage.
- Many sellers, including the Royal Museums Greenwich, have sold out their supply due to high demand.
- Buying glasses online is risky because some may not arrive in time or may not be safe to use.
- Looking directly at the sun without proper glasses can cause permanent eye damage without any pain as a warning.
- The safest way to watch is indirectly, for example, via livestreams or TV broadcasts.
- About 70 people had eye problems after the 1999 eclipse, with some looking at the sun for less than a minute.
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