UK solar eclipse: glasses sold out, DIY viewing guide

The UK is set to experience a partial solar eclipse in August 2026, a celestial event that promises to be the most dramatic visible from these shores since 1999. With up to 95% of the Sun expected to disappear, anticipation is building, but so is a significant challenge: specialist eclipse glasses are largely sold out across high street stores and online retailers.1 This scarcity means many are now seeking safe, alternative ways to observe this rare astronomical spectacle.

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The upcoming UK solar eclipse: what to expect

When and where to see the partial eclipse

The partial solar eclipse will grace UK skies in August 2026, with the event expected to last about two hours from 18:00. While the entire UK will witness some degree of obscuration, the most dramatic views, with up to 95% of the Sun disappearing, are anticipated in areas like Scotland, including cities such as Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Dundee. This makes it a particularly significant event for UK astronomy enthusiasts.

Why this eclipse is significant for the UK

This isn't just another partial eclipse; it's the most dramatic partial eclipse visible from the UK in over two decades, since the August 1999 event. The high percentage of solar obscuration means the sky will noticeably darken, offering a profound experience for observers. Such a significant celestial event provides a unique opportunity for public engagement with astronomy and highlights the sheer power of our solar system.

Why safe viewing is crucial for your eyes

The dangers of direct Sun exposure

Even a brief glimpse of the Sun during an eclipse can cause permanent retina damage. The Sun's powerful rays, even when partially obscured, can burn the light-sensitive cells at the back of your eye, leading to a condition known as solar retinopathy. This damage is often painless at the time it occurs, making it particularly insidious, and can result in blurred vision, blind spots, or even permanent vision loss. Standard sunglasses, no matter how dark, offer insufficient protection and are not safe for direct solar viewing.

Understanding certified eye protection (ISO 12312-2)

For direct viewing of the Sun, whether during an eclipse or at any other time, certified solar eclipse glasses are essential. These glasses must meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard, which ensures they filter out harmful levels of light. However, finding these certified glasses has become a challenge. Major retailers like Specsavers opted not to stock them, with their clinical services director Giles Edmonds stating, "With the type of glasses required for viewing the eclipse, being a single-use item and designed for a relatively rare event, we've decided not to produce or supply them this time as it's not the most sustainable choice for us." Photography retailer Jessops also confirmed, "Sorry, we are SOLD OUT of solar eclipse glasses. To our knowledge, everywhere else is sold out too". This widespread scarcity means many are turning to DIY eclipse viewer alternatives.

Creative & safe DIY viewing methods

Given the difficulty in acquiring certified eclipse glasses, accessible DIY methods offer a safe and effective alternative for indirect viewing. These methods project an image of the Sun, allowing you to observe the eclipse without looking directly at it.

Building a pinhole projector for indirect viewing

A pinhole projector is a simple yet effective way to safely view a solar eclipse. You will need two pieces of stiff white card, a sharp pin or thumbtack, and a clear, open space.

1. Prepare your materials: Take one piece of card and, using the pin, carefully poke a small, clean hole in the centre. The smaller and rounder the hole, the sharper your projected image will be.
2. Set up for viewing: With your back to the Sun, hold the card with the pinhole up, allowing sunlight to pass through the hole.
3. Project the image: Hold the second piece of card a foot or two behind the first, acting as a screen. A small, inverted image of the Sun will be projected onto this screen. As the eclipse progresses, you'll see the Moon's silhouette gradually cover the Sun's disc on your makeshift screen.

The colander method and other household alternatives

For an even simpler indirect viewing method, look no further than your kitchen. Astronomer Royal for Scotland Catherine Heymans suggests, "The next best thing is a colander". Hold a colander up to the Sun (again, with your back to it) and let the light pass through its holes onto a flat surface, such as a piece of paper or the ground. Each hole will act as a pinhole, projecting dozens of tiny crescent Suns during the partial eclipse.

Other household items with small holes, like a slotted spoon or even interlaced fingers, can achieve a similar effect. The key is to create small apertures that project the Sun's image onto a surface, ensuring you never look directly at the Sun.

Indirect projection techniques for group observation

For group viewing, a pair of binoculars or a small telescope can be used to create a larger, clearer projected image. Crucially, never look through binoculars or a telescope directly at the Sun without a certified solar filter over the front lens. Instead, point the instrument towards the Sun (without looking through it), and allow the sunlight to pass through the eyepiece onto a white screen held a foot or two behind it. Adjust the focus until a clear image of the Sun appears on the screen. This method provides a magnified view of the eclipse, perfect for sharing the experience with others.

Preparing for the celestial event

Checking local visibility and timings

While the August 2026 eclipse will be widely visible across the UK, the exact timings and the percentage of obscuration will vary depending on your specific location. Before the event, consult reputable astronomy websites or local news outlets for precise details for your town or city. Knowing when the eclipse begins, reaches its maximum, and ends will help you plan your viewing experience effectively.

Ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience

Preparation is key to a safe and enjoyable eclipse viewing. Gather your DIY materials well in advance, and perhaps even practise making your pinhole projector or using your colander to project the Sun's image. Choose an open location with an unobstructed view of the Sun. Remember to protect your skin with sunscreen and wear a hat, as you'll be outdoors for an extended period. Most importantly, reiterate to everyone in your viewing party the absolute necessity of never looking directly at the Sun without proper protection.

Connecting with solar abundance

The power of the Sun: a source of wonder and energy

The awe-inspiring spectacle of a solar eclipse serves as a powerful reminder of the Sun's immense energy and its profound influence on our planet. It's a celestial event that connects us to the vastness of the cosmos and the fundamental forces that govern our world. This same solar power, which momentarily captivates us during an eclipse, is also a boundless source of clean energy that can fuel our lives every day.

Fuse's vision for an energy-rich future

At Fuse, we believe in a future with power to play with - where energy is so abundant it stops being a thing you think about. Just as the ingenuity of a pinhole projector allows us to safely harness a glimpse of the Sun's power, we are working to make solar energy an abundant, accessible, and effortless part of everyday life. Our mission is to deliver the terawatt-hours of the cheapest, cleanest energy possible, empowering individuals and enriching lives, much like the wonder of a safely observed solar eclipse.

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References

1. BBC News. Solar eclipse glasses 'sold out everywhere' as people look for alternatives