This summer’s solar eclipse promises a striking celestial moment, but it also comes with one very important rule: never look directly at the Sun without proper protection.
The UK Health Security Agency says there are only two safe ways to enjoy it – using certified eclipse viewers or watching indirectly with a simple DIY method.
Where can you see the solar eclipse in the UK?
The solar eclipse will be visible across the whole of the UK, but people in the South West are likely to see the greatest proportion of the Sun covered by the Moon.
According to Royal Museums Greenwich, this will be the most coverage seen from the UK and Ireland since the 1999 solar eclipse, which was total from much of Cornwall and Devon, making it a genuinely special occasion.
The eclipse takes place in August, so there’s a better chance of clear skies than you’d expect in autumn or winter.
That said, cloud cover does not make it safe to look directly at the Sun, so you should still use proper eclipse glasses or an indirect viewing method.
Why watching it is risky
During an eclipse, the Sun appears dimmer than usual, which can make it easier to look at directly.
That is exactly the danger, because reduced brightness can override the body’s instinct to look away, allowing intense sunlight to damage the retina without pain or immediate warning.
Following the 1999 total solar eclipse, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists reported around 70 cases of vision problems after people watched the event, and around 40% had looked at it for less than a minute.
How to watch the solar eclipse safely this summer
Looking at the Sun with the naked eye, or through ordinary sunglasses, can cause permanent eye damage. Even very dark sunglasses do not block enough harmful solar radiation, so they should never be used for eclipse viewing.
Use proper eclipse glasses
If you want to watch the eclipse directly, use genuine eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer that meets the international safety standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E). The UKHSA advises buying only from reputable retailers and avoiding any product that looks damaged, scratched, torn, or uncertified.
It’s also worth checking the fit and condition before you use them. If you are unsure whether a pair is authentic, do not use it.
Try an indirect view
If you do not have eclipse glasses, you can still experience the eclipse safely without looking at the Sun itself. UKHSA recommends indirect methods such as a pinhole viewer, a colander, or projecting the Sun’s image through gaps in tree leaves onto a surface below.
A pinhole projector is easy to make at home and works especially well for families or children. The Royal Astronomical Society also offers practical guidance on safe viewing methods.
What not to do during a solar eclipse
Do not use regular sunglasses, binoculars, telescopes, or cameras without the correct solar filters. NASA notes that optical equipment can intensify sunlight and cause serious injury if used incorrectly, while eclipse glasses are not a substitute for specialist solar filters on devices.
The safest approach is simple: if you are ever unsure, do not look at the Sun directly. Stick to approved viewing glasses or indirect projection methods instead.
If you are planning to watch the eclipse for a while, remember that you may be outside in direct sunlight for a long period.
Sun protection still matters, so wear sunscreen, a hat, and suitable clothing as well as protecting your eyes.
