What you need to watch the August 12 solar eclipse safely, according to experts

We’re ready to party like it’s 1999! (Picture: Metro/Getty) Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more By now, you may have heard that the UK will experience a partial solar eclipse on August 12. In the early evening, the skies will darken as the moon slips between the earth and the sun, blocking out around 90 per cent of natural daylight depending on where you’re looking up from in the UK. The celestial phenomenon doesn’t happen often: according to Royal Museums Greenwich, the UK will see its next total solar eclipse in 2090, while the last one took place in 1999 – 27 years ago. With a summer of sport starting to wind down, it’s as good an excuse as any to get your pals together for a viewing party. While rooftop bars are likely to be inundated with bookings, there’s nothing like organising a picnic or BBQ to make the most of nature’s free show. But first! A few things to add to your checklist, from both a comfort and safety perspective. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. The biggie? Making sure you’re wearing certified solar eclipse glasses. Regular sunnies – no matter how expensive – won’t cut it. You could inflict permanent damage to your eyes as intense solar ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) rays can fry retinal cells, often without you knowing as there are no pain receptors at the back of your eyes. And as magnificent as the ‘diamond ring’ spectacle promises to be, remember to look away every few seconds to further protect your peepers. Anyone else looking forward to watching this again? (Picture: Getty Images) ‘Never remove eclipse glasses while facing the sun, even for a moment, and only take them off once you’ve looked away completely,’ warns Dr Stephen Hannan, Clinical Services Director at Optical Express. ‘It only takes a few seconds of direct, unprotected viewing to damage your vision.’ The international safety standard for solar eclipse glasses is ISO 12312-2 so any solar specs you buy must display this code clearly. For those planning to capture content – that’ll be everyone, then – get solar filters to stick over your device’s lenses to protect the hardware inside, and, perhaps most importantly in this day and age, record clear visuals. If you’re planning to stay out for the duration of the eclipse, which is expected to run from 6.17pm to 8.06pm, it’s also a good idea to keep some SPF handy so you can top-up easily. And depending on temperatures, you may want to add a hat or some kind of shade while you wait for the moon to do her thing. For all of the above and more, we’re not leaving you in the dark. We’ve put together a list of essentials for your eclipse viewing party. Just like the planets, it’s time to get your ducks in a row. Here’s hoping for clear skies come August 12. Helioclipse Solar Eclipse Glasses Sure, solar specs may not be the coolest-looking things to wear – they look like 3D vision glasses – but they’re a damn sight prettier than blurred vision and eye damage. Nearly 10,000 customers have purchased Helioclipse’s design from Amazon, which can be delivered as early as the next day. They’re sold in packs of six, 12, 25, 50 and 100, so you should be able to kit everyone, including your neighbours. ISO 12312-2 certified, these are made for direct solar observation. Each pair comes individually wrapped and with a neck lanyard to avoid getting crushed in pockets or on seats. Our pack came with smartphone filters to protect camera lenses too, a nice bonus. Buy Now for £17.95 Celestron EclipSmart Binoculars A luxe option that will delight the space geeks amongst you, Celestron’s binoculars are made for sale solar observation. The lenses are fitted with a permanent ISO 12312-2-certified filter, so there’s no chance of forgetting to put them on. They’re hard wearing and long-lasting, so will stand up to jostling in bags and on public transport. They’re also a lot easier to cart about than a telescope, especially if you’re going to a popular viewing spot, like a park or field. Buy Now for £91.50 LIVIVO 4 Person Picnic Backpack Set Planning to make a meal out of the eclipse? Whether you’re planning a picky bits spread or bringing treats from home, now’s your chance to tuck in with style. A picnic set is perfect for those heading to public viewing spots, and this one from Debenhams packs enough cutlery and crockery for four people into one easily portable backpack. You’ll even get wine glasses, an insulated bottle holder, and a picnic blanket to lay everything out on! Buy Now for £17.99 (was £34.99) Keter Go Bar 16L Portable Cooler Table in Vintage Green If you’re on drinks duty, give your friends something to marvel at with this bucket-shaped cooler that transforms into a side table with a few clicks. Perfect for patios and balconies as well as public spaces, Keter’s Go Bar holds up to 16L, giving you plenty of space for bottles and cans (15 cans to be precise). It’s made from durable, weather-resistant materials so it won’t fade in the sun either. Use the eclipse as an excuse to invest; you’ll be using this baby for many more summers to come. Buy Now for £34.20 World Picnic Blanket Summer is a picnic blanket’s time to shine. They’re useful for outdoor concerts and screenings, taking to the beach, or using for rare events, like the partial solar eclipse. From Beuss, this one feels particularly apt, depicting an old world map on a design that can be tucked and rolled for easy transportation. Just plonk your drinks and snacks in the middle, and you’re ready to rock! Buy Now for £24.99 Dunelm Three Rivers Foldable Chair Rolling about on the grass is all good and well, but when you need proper back support, this portable folding chair from Dunelm will come to the rescue. The lightly padded design packs down flat so it’s easy to carry or store, and its showerproof so will fare well against the elements. As well as reclining, there’s also a pocket on the back to use for nifty storage. Buy Now for £39 Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Invisible Lotion Sunscreen SPF50 Offering high protection with SPF50, this is one of the best sunscreens on the market. The lightweight lotion leaves behind no white cast and sinks in before you know it. It’s water and sweat-resistant – good news should another heatwave hit over August 12. While a face only version is available, getting the 200ml will ensure everyone can slather it on generously. Put it on before heading out, and keep yourself topped up until sundown. Buy Now for £15.99 Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below Arrow MORE: Best SPF lip balms to buy in 2026 – from £4 Boots buys to luxury glosses Arrow MORE: The ultimate sunglasses guide – find the perfect style for your face shape Arrow MORE: The best face SPFs to wear daily – from glow‑boosting fluids to mattifying gels Puzzles Newsletter Get your favourite puzzles when they are ready to play on the website sent directly to you every day and track your daily streak!