Residents of the Netherlands can safely view tonight's partial solar eclipse using projection methods or solar filters if they lack specialized eyewear.
Safe viewing is critical because looking directly at the sun can cause permanent eye damage. With eclipse glasses reported as almost sold out [4], many viewers are seeking alternative ways to witness the event without risking their sight.
During the eclipse, between 88 percent [1] and nearly 90 percent [2] of the sun will be covered. This level of coverage makes the event a significant astronomical occurrence for the region. Experts noted that the last comparable eclipse in the Netherlands took place in 1999 [3].
Jan Koeman of Sterrenwacht said that projection is a viable alternative for those without glasses. This method involves projecting the image of the sun onto a flat surface—such as a piece of cardboard—rather than looking at the sky directly. This allows the viewer to see the crescent shape of the sun as it is obscured by the moon.
Reporter Jeroen Gortworst of NOS demonstrated these techniques to show that safety does not require expensive equipment. Solar filters can also be used, provided they meet safety standards. Using improvised filters, such as smoked glass or regular sunglasses, is not recommended as they do not provide sufficient protection against solar radiation.
Public health warnings emphasize that the danger exists even when the sun is partially covered. Because the eclipse covers a vast majority of the solar disk [1], [2], the remaining sliver of light is still intense enough to burn the retina. Experts said that the only way to view the sun directly is through certified eclipse glasses or professional telescopes equipped with appropriate filters.
“Eclipse glasses are reported as almost sold out.”
The shortage of certified eyewear highlights a common gap between public interest in astronomical events and the availability of safety equipment. By promoting projection methods, experts are attempting to prevent a surge in ocular injuries that often accompany high-coverage partial eclipses, where the dimming of the sky can trick the eye into lowering its natural defenses against UV radiation.
