10/08/2026
π LOOKING FORWARD TO THE PARTIAL SOLAR ECLIPSE? PROTECT YOUR EYES! π
On Wednesday 12 August, observers across the UK will be treated to a partial solar eclipse. While the Moon will cover part of the Sun, it will NEVER be safe to look directly at the Sun from the UK.
β οΈ DO NOT look at the eclipse with your naked eyes. Because the Sun is never completely covered in the UK, even a quick glance can cause permanent and irreversible eye damage.
β
Safe ways to enjoy the eclipse
πΆοΈ Use only certified eclipse glasses that comply with ISO 12312-2. Check they are in good condition before using them.
π³ Watch nature's pinhole cameras. Look for crescent-shaped images of the Sun projected through gaps between leaves onto the ground.
π₯£ Use a bowl or bucket of still water. You can safely observe the reflection of the eclipsed Sun on the water's surface. Never look directly at the Sun itself.
π Use a kitchen colander. Hold it so sunlight passes through the holes onto a white sheet of paper or a light-coloured surface. Each hole projects a tiny image of the partially eclipsed Sun.
π¦ Make a simple pinhole projector. A small hole in a piece of card projects the Sun's image onto another surface, allowing you to watch the Moon slowly move across the Sun.
π« Never use:
β’ Sunglasses
β’ Smoked glass
β’ CDs or DVDs
β’ X-ray film
β’ Camera filters
β’ Binoculars or telescopes without a proper front-mounted solar filter
π Important: Looking through binoculars or a telescope without a certified solar filter fitted to the front of the instrument can cause instant blindness.
π At Dark Sky Wales, we want everyone to enjoy this incredible celestial event safely. Whether you're watching from your garden, school or local park, remember:
π If you're in the UK, NEVER look directly at the Sun during the eclipse. Use safe viewing methods instead.
Stay safe, enjoy the spectacle, and let's all hope for clear skies! π€οΈ