Why Eclipse Glasses Are Necessary

On August 12, 2026, millions of people across Spain, Iceland, UK and parts of western France will witness one of the most extraordinary astronomical events of the decade — a total solar eclipse.

While the event is breathtaking, looking directly at the Sun without proper protection can cause serious eye injury known as solar retinopathy.

Even when the Sun is mostly covered by the Moon, the remaining sunlight is still intense enough to damage the retina.

According to guidance from the NASA, the only safe way to view a partial solar eclipse is with properly certified solar viewing filters or eclipse glasses.

The Safety Standard for Eclipse Glasses

Safe eclipse glasses must meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.

This standard ensures that eclipse viewers:

• block more than 99.999% of visible sunlight

• filter harmful ultraviolet and infrared radiation

• allow safe direct observation of the Sun

The standard is issued by the International Organization for Standardization and is the global benchmark for solar viewing safety.

If eclipse glasses do not clearly indicate ISO 12312-2 certification, they should not be used.

How to Check if Eclipse Glasses Are Safe

Before using eclipse glasses, check these simple indicators.

1. Look for ISO Certification

The glasses should include:

ISO 12312-2

along with the manufacturer's name and address.

2. Inspect the Filters

When wearing eclipse glasses indoors:

• you should not see normal objects

• only extremely bright lights should appear faintly visible

3. Check for Damage

If the lenses are scratched, punctured, or torn, they should not be used.

Beware of Counterfeit Eclipse Glasses

Before previous eclipses, counterfeit eclipse glasses appeared on some online marketplaces.

Fake glasses may look identical but fail to block dangerous radiation.

To protect your eyesight:

• buy from trusted sources

• verify certification

• avoid glasses without manufacturer details

We will soon publish a full guide explaining how to spot fake eclipse glasses online.

The 2026 Eclipse in Spain and France

The 2026 total solar eclipse will pass across parts of the North Atlantic and Europe.

Spain is expected to be one of the best viewing locations in Europe, particularly northern regions such as:

• Bilbao

• Zaragoza

• Valencia

• Barcelona

Parts of western France, including regions near the Atlantic coast, will also experience a dramatic partial eclipse.

As the date approaches, demand for certified eclipse glasses will increase rapidly across Europe.

Preparing for the 2026 Eclipse

Whether you plan to watch from Spain, France, the UK, or elsewhere in Europe, the most important step is ensuring you have proper eye protection.

Certified solar eclipse glasses allow you to safely experience every phase of the eclipse — from the first moment the Moon begins to cover the Sun until the spectacular return of sunlight after totality.

You can learn more about the Fin Whale Eclipse Project, eclipse safety, and ocean conservation at:

https://www.finwhaleeclipse.eu

The Fin Whale Eclipse Project

The Fin Whale Eclipse Project connects the wonder of the 2026 eclipse with ocean conservation.

A portion of proceeds from the sale of certified eclipse glasses helps support initiatives that protect the North Atlantic fin whale, one of the largest animals ever to live on Earth.

The migration routes of these whales cross the same Atlantic waters where the 2026 eclipse will be visible — creating a powerful connection between astronomy and conservation.

Related Learning Resources

Coming soon in our Eclipse Safety Series:

• What Is ISO 12312-2 Certification?

• How to Spot Fake Solar Eclipse Glasses

• Are Eclipse Glasses Safe for Children?

• Why Sunglasses Are Not Safe for Eclipse Viewing

These guides will help ensure everyone can experience the 2026 eclipse safely.