Gibraltar Astronomical Society Issues Eclipse Glasses Reminder
The Gibraltar Astronomical Society is reminding people to use certified eclipse glasses when watching the solar eclipse on 12th August. It says regular sunglasses and other makeshift filters should not be used.
A statement from the Gibraltar Astronomical Society Follows below:
On Wednesday 12 August 2026 at 19:44:09 the Moon will begin to slide over the Sun until it reaches a maximum eclipse of 93% obscuration at 20:39:27. The Sun and Moon will then
both set together, still eclipsed at 21:15:11.
It has come to our attention that a number of events will be held throughout Gibraltar, but we are concerned that the use of some of these glasses do not meet the specific safeguards.
It is essential that certified eclipse glasses or filters are worn at all times while viewing the Sun. The damage caused to the eyes is initially painless but extremely harmful and can be permanent. They must conform to ISO 12312-2:2015 however anyone can print this number on the glasses and declare that they are safe. Therefore it is a risk to buy them from any online seller like, Amazon, EBay or any shop, online or physical, that is not an astronomical retailer.
At the moment we can recommend only the following online sellers:
First Light Optics - UK's largest supplier of astronomy equipment
Rother Valley Optics – UK optical retailer with 23 years trading experience
Telescopiomania - large retailer in Spain
Teleskop Service DE - one of the biggest astro-dealers in Europe
Astroshop EU - widest choice and huge selection of equipment
If you order quickly they could arrive in time.
DO NOT USE:
Sunglasses, even if using 2 or 3 on top of each other.
No X-ray films.
No photographic films.
No floppy disks.
No space blankets.
No crossed polarisers.
No CDs or DVDs.
No tanning glasses.
I do hope this notice will help all in enjoying a spectacular event, in the coming weeks, in safe conditions for your eye sights.
We shall publish more leading to our first Eclipse, of the three, explaining in more detail what to expect and where best to observe it.
