A total solar eclipse will occur Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, marking the most complete such event since 1989 [1].
This astronomical occurrence carries significant public health implications because viewing the sun without proper protection can cause permanent eye damage. Experts are urging the public to secure certified eclipse glasses before the event.
Bryan Quinn and colleagues at France Télévisions provided guidance on how to safely observe the phenomenon [1]. The eclipse will be visible across parts of Europe, specifically in France, Spain, and Portugal [1]. While the moon will fully cover the sun to create a total eclipse over the Atlantic Ocean, observers on land must remain vigilant about safety protocols [1, 2].
Safe viewing requires specialized eyewear that meets international safety standards. Standard sunglasses do not provide the necessary filtration to protect the retina from intense solar radiation. The event is the most complete total solar eclipse to occur in 37 years [1].
Observers in the affected regions of Europe will see a partial or total eclipse depending on their exact coordinates. The moon's alignment will block the sun's disk entirely in certain zones, creating a brief period of darkness during the day [1, 2].
Public health officials said that the only way to view the sun safely during the partial phases is through ISO-certified eclipse glasses. These glasses are designed to filter out the harmful rays that lead to solar retinopathy [1].
“the most complete total solar eclipse since 1989”
The rarity of this event—the first of its scale since 1989—is expected to draw massive crowds to Western Europe. Because the total eclipse path centers over the Atlantic, millions of people in France, Spain, and Portugal will experience a deep partial eclipse, increasing the risk of mass eye injuries if certified eyewear is not widely accessible and used correctly.
