WhatsApp ‘drops’, price hikes and queues in scramble for solar eclipse specs
Summary
A near-total solar eclipse visible across western Europe prompted a rush to buy special eclipse glasses in London and other places. Many shops quickly sold out or increased prices as people queued early to buy the glasses needed to safely view the eclipse.Key Facts
- Tens of millions in western Europe will see a near-total solar eclipse, the first in over 25 years.
- Special eclipse glasses filter harmful light to protect eyes during viewing.
- Glasses cost about £5 before the event, but some sellers raised prices to £10-£20.
- People queued early and traveled from various cities to buy glasses in London.
- Some shops sold out, including the Royal Greenwich Observatory and Exmoor National Park.
- Looking at the eclipse without protection can cause permanent eye damage.
- Eye damage can happen because during an eclipse pupils widen and it feels comfortable to look at the sun, unlike normal conditions.
- Sellers and shop owners asked customers to behave respectfully amid high demand and stress.
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