Where you can still get certified solar eclipse glasses for tomorrow – most shops are SOLD OUT

STORES have been selling out of solar eclipse glasses as Brits race to get ready for tomorrow’s rare phenomenon. Stargazers who want to watch the partial eclipse safely will need to get themselves a pair of eclipse glasses. That’s because directly at the sun during the event without the right protection can cause permanent eye damage. Normal sunglasses don’t offer enough protection – and it’s a myth that wearing multiple at the same time will be enough. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! If you’ve left it until the last minute to grab a pair of solar eclipse glasses, you’ll find most shops are sold out and it’s too late to get any online because they won’t come on time. Amazon had been selling packs of Helioclipse glasses with next-day delivery, but they’ve already been snapped up and they’re now sold out. However, Reddit users say they’ve spotted some local shops and museums selling the sought-after accessories. One lucky Redditor said they’d managed to nab some at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London, yesterday. They said they’d been told they were “in luck” as the glasses had just been restocked. Others said the Am2pm convenience store in Whitechapel, East London, also had stock but there were “huge queues” of customers. Most read in Money The Treats sweet shop in South Kensington, Wembley Convenience Store and Fresh Bake in Bond Street were also said to have the glasses in stock. Outside of London, one person said they had luck at the Nisa Local at 195 Corporation Street in Birmingham. Make sure any glasses you buy have the right certifications – otherwise you might not be properly protected. Only glasses certified as ISO 12312-2 offer the right protection. If you’re in Bristol, We the Curious and Bristol Astronomical Society are hosting a viewing session overlooking Avon Gorge, where they will be handing out free glasses. The Loughton Astronomical Society is also hosting similar events in Chingford and Theydon Bois, where “specialised solar equipment” will be provided. What can I do if I’m not in these areas? You’ll need proper glasses to watch the solar eclipse safely tomorrow Credit: EPA You might still be able to watch safely even if you’re not close to the above locations. It’s probably too late now to find anything online, so you should focus your efforts on local stores, museums and viewing events. Convenience stores seem to be the most likely place to find the glasses, so you should try your local. You could always ring ahead. If they’re out of stock, ask if there is another delivery coming and when that will be. Robert Dyas also appeared to be selling the glasses online and they’re sold out now, but you could try your local store. You could also try museums near you if they have an astronomy link, and search for viewing events in your area. Some of these events are handing out eclipse glasses for free, and you’ll be able to watch with a group of people. Why it's worth watching the eclipse FOR the first time in decades, people across the UK will be able to see the Sun almost entirely blocked by the Moon. The Moon will cover up to 96% of the Sun tomorrow evening between 6.15pm and 8.05pm, noticeably dimming the daylight for around two hours. You’ll be able to spot the Sun dramatically peeking out from behind the moon as it enters partial eclipse. The last time there was a similar event was in 1999, exactly 27 years ago today, when Brits were able to see a total eclipse. Comment now