A solar eclipse is planned for August 12, and for specialists, many precautions must be taken. Some even speak of a shortage of safety equipment.
🇫🇷🇪🇺☀️ FLASH | On August 12, 2026, a spectacular event will take place: a solar eclipse, visible in France and Europe. The sun will be hidden from 90% (in the North) to 99.5% (in the South) at 8:20 p.m. Associations are concerned about the number of glasses available to observe it. pic.twitter.com/AIeP8vtHnc
— Cerfia (@CerfiaFR) April 17, 2026
In less than 110 days, on August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will cross Europe. An exceptional astronomical spectacle visible from Spain and partially from France is to be expected. In Paris, it is close to 92% of the solar disk which will be obscured. What should not happen again before 2081. Suffice to say that popular enthusiasm promises to be massive, making the question of security all the more crucial.
Contrary to what one might believe,The Sun is no more dangerous than usual during an eclipse. This is the drop in ambient light which reduces the natural reflex causing us to look away, thereby increasing the duration of exposure to harmful rays. The main risk is then solar retinopathy. It’s a retinal burn may cause a partial or total loss of vision. Since the retina does not have pain receptors, visual disturbances are likely to appear several hours after exposure. Symptoms such as blurred vision, a dark spot in the center of the visual field or increased sensitivity to light should lead to consulting an ophthalmologist without delay.
ISO 12312-2 glasses: the preferred equipment
This is the urgent message from industry experts. Alain Cirou, general director of the French Astronomical Association, warns: “ It’s not the eclipse that’s dangerous, it’s watching without protection. You can have a black hole in your retina without realizing it, and it is irreversible. » These glasses specially designed for solar observation filter up to 99,999% of visible light as well as all ultraviolet and infrared rays. Affordable, they will be available in pharmacies, opticians and via specialized organizations. Also remember to check their condition before use. A scratched, pierced or detached lens from its frame no longer protects effectively.
At this stage, only 200,000 pairs would have been distributed which is a drop in the ocean compared to the expected demand. The memory of the eclipse of 1999 still resonates in everyone’s memory: stock shortages led many spectators to improvise dangerous solutions. In anticipation of this scenario,prefects could even ban certain gatherings if an insufficient number of equipment was provided by local authorities. The message is therefore clear: do not wait until the last moment to equip yourself.
What to do if you can’t find glasses?
However, other alternatives exist. Among the indirect observation methods, the solar eclipse box allows you to observe a projected image of the Sun at the bottom of a closed boxwithout any risk to the eyes. It is also possible to cross the fingers of both hands and observe the shadow they cast on the ground. Many television channels and scientific organizations will also broadcast the event live on the internet.
What should you absolutely avoid?
Contrary to certain preconceived ideas, stacked sunglasses, photo negatives, CDs or even smoked glass are extremely dangerous solutions. These devices do not naturally filter radiation infrared and ultraviolet. Exposure of just a few seconds with this unsuitable equipment is enough to cause irreversible eye damage.
Likewise, observing the eclipse through a window, a mirror or a basin of water does not constitute sufficient protection. Only certified glasses ISO 12312-2 or indirect projection methods guarantee safe observation.
