A solar eclipse will be visible across parts of the U.S., Europe, and the Arctic on Aug. 12 [1].
Viewing the event without proper protection can lead to permanent eye damage. Because the Sun remains partially visible during most of the event, astronomers are emphasizing the necessity of certified safety gear to prevent retinal burns.
Astronomer Martin Griffiths provided a guide on the phenomenon and safety protocols for the upcoming event [6]. The eclipse will be total for observers in Spain and Iceland [3]. In the United Kingdom, the Sun will be obscured by up to 96% [3].
In the U.S., the eclipse will appear as a partial event across 26 states and Washington, D.C. [1]. The event begins at 7:34 a.m. Alaska Standard Time and concludes at 2:52 p.m. Eastern Time [4].
Regional observers in the Cambridge area can expect more than 90% obscuration between 6:17 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. [5]. Experts said that looking directly at the Sun during any phase of the eclipse, except the brief period of totality, is dangerous [2].
Safety equipment, such as ISO-certified eclipse glasses, is required for all partial views. Standard sunglasses or smoked glass do not provide sufficient filtration to protect the eyes from intense solar radiation [2]. Griffiths said that understanding the mechanics of the eclipse helps viewers appreciate the scale of the celestial alignment while maintaining safety [6].
“Looking directly at the Sun during an eclipse can cause permanent eye damage.”
This event highlights the global nature of solar alignments and the recurring public health challenge of eye safety. While total eclipses are rare for any single location, the wide visibility of this partial eclipse across the U.S. and Europe increases the risk of widespread ocular injuries if safety warnings are ignored.
