Urgent glasses warning ahead of solar eclipse this week – exact code to look for

A MAJOR warning has been issued to those planning to observe next week’s solar eclipse. A rare astronomical phenomenon will be visible in the UK on August 12, with a partial solar eclipse set to be visible in the sky. A health warning has been issued ahead of next week’s solar eclipse Credit: Getty Looking directly at the partial eclipse can cause serious eye damage Credit: Alamy The celestial spectacle will be one of the most impressive solar eclipses that the nation has seen in almost two decades, with the moon expected to cover a large portion of the sun. The eclipse will boast the most visible coverage of the sun that the UK has seen since the August eclipse of 1999, which covered almost all of the sun for those observing in Cornwall and Devon. Sign up for the Tech newsletter Thank you! The unmissable moment will begin from around 6pm on Wednesday – but a serious health warning has been given ahead of the special evening. The UK Health Security Agency has urged people to remember that it is dangerous to look directly at the sun, even during a solar eclipse. Members of the public must take precautions to view the eclipse, even if it is a cloudy evening. But your usual sunglasses won’t offer enough protection to prevent eye damage. “Never use regular sunglasses to look at the sun during an eclipse,” the UKHSA warned, as harmful solar radiation can damage the eye’s retina. “If you want to use eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers, make sure they are genuine eclipse glasses with specially designed filters that meet the international safety standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E),” the warning continued. Most read in Tech “Genuine eclipse glasses are available from reputable retailers.” People are also being advised to ensure that any eye protection they buy online meet the right requirements and to not look at the eclipse through eye protection that is damaged. If you do not have appropriate eye wear to safely view the eclipse, there are a few other options to appreciate the moment while still keeping your vision safe from harm. Looking at the sun through the holes in a colander is a method that you can use by simply nipping to the kitchen. Imo Bell, a planetarium astronomer at the Royal Greenwich Observatory, explained: “You can’t just go out and expect to have a look because it’s really dangerous for your eyes.” Speaking to the Press Association, she added: “You can project the image of the eclipse using a household item like a colander which has lots of holes in. “Point the colander towards the sun with your back facing it, and in the shadow of the colander you’ll be able to see the eclipse in the holes, which is really cool.” Comment now