European Space Agency astronaut Sara García Alonso is warning the public to use certified eclipse glasses for the solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026 [1].
Failure to use proper protection can result in permanent eye damage. Because ordinary sunglasses do not block the intense solar radiation emitted during an eclipse, they provide insufficient safety for anyone looking directly at the Sun [1, 3].
The upcoming event will be a total solar eclipse for those located in Greenland, Iceland, and Spain [4]. Other regions of Europe, including the UK and Ireland, will experience a partial solar eclipse [5]. In the UK and Ireland, approximately 90% of the Sun will be covered [5].
To ensure safety, the ESA recommends using glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 certification standard [6]. This specific rating ensures the filters are capable of blocking the harmful rays that lead to retinal burns.
"Never look directly at the Sun without certified eclipse glasses; ordinary sunglasses are not enough," García Alonso said [1].
Experts advise that viewers check their equipment for any scratches or punctures before use. If the filter is damaged, the glasses should be discarded immediately to prevent light leakage that could injure the eye [6]. The ESA said that these precautions are necessary regardless of whether the eclipse is total or partial [1, 3].
“Ordinary sunglasses are not enough.”
The disparity between a total and partial eclipse often leads to a dangerous misconception that protection is only needed during the 'total' phase. By emphasizing the ISO 12312-2 standard, the ESA is attempting to mitigate a surge in preventable ocular injuries across Europe, where millions will witness varying degrees of the event.
