Solar eclipse glasses: frequently asked questions and safe use
Eclipse glasses
Solar Eclipse 2026
FAQ Astromo
Are special glasses required to watch a solar eclipse?
Yes. To safely observe the eclipse on August 12, you need certified eclipse glasses.
Can regular sunglasses be used to watch a solar eclipse?
No. Conventional sunglasses, even very dark ones, do not provide adequate protection against direct solar radiation. A simple rule is this: if you can see anything other than the Sun through the glasses, they are not safe for eclipse viewing. Eclipse glasses are specifically designed to look at the Sun and only the Sun, filtering dangerous radiation and allowing safe observation.
What type of glasses do I need to watch a solar eclipse?
Glasses that comply with the international ISO 12312-2 standard, specifically designed for direct solar observation.
What does it mean that the glasses are certified?
It means they have been laboratory-tested and block more than 99.999 percent of harmful solar radiation.
What is the ISO 12312-2 standard?
It is the international standard that regulates solar filters for direct observation of the Sun and is used worldwide for solar eclipses.
Are Astromo eclipse glasses certified?
Yes. All Astromo eclipse glasses comply with the ISO 12312-2 standard and are designed to observe the August 12 eclipse with complete safety.
Who certifies eclipse glasses?
Independent laboratories specialized in solar optics that verify compliance with the ISO standard.
How can I tell if eclipse glasses are safe?
Your glasses must clearly indicate the ISO 12312-2 standard, show no damage, and come from a reliable seller. If they are scratched or perforated, they are not safe.
Can children use eclipse glasses?
Yes, always under adult supervision and making sure the glasses are properly positioned before looking at the Sun.
Can eclipse glasses be worn over prescription glasses?
Yes. They can be worn over prescription glasses without any problem.
How long can I look at the eclipse while wearing eclipse glasses?
You can observe all partial phases as long as the glasses are in good condition. It is recommended not to look at the Sun for more than 3 minutes at a time.
Can I look at the eclipse with eclipse glasses during totality?
You can observe all partial phases of the eclipse as long as the glasses are in good condition. Even so, it is recommended not to look at the Sun for more than 3 minutes at a time and to take breaks between observations.
Although eclipse glasses are designed for safe viewing, it is best to avoid prolonged, uninterrupted exposure.
Can eclipse glasses be reused?
Yes, they can be reused as long as they are in perfect condition. Before using them, check that they have no scratches, perforations, bends, or damage to the filter.
As a general reference, it is not recommended to use them more than 3 years after the manufacturing date, even if they have not been used frequently.
Do eclipse glasses expire?
They do not have a strict expiration date, but their effectiveness depends on their condition and age. Even if unused, the filter materials can degrade over time.
For this reason, as a general guideline, it is not recommended to use eclipse glasses that are more than 3 years old, and they should always be checked before each use to ensure they are in perfect condition.
How should I store eclipse glasses after use?
In a dry place, protected from direct light, without bending or scratching them.
What should I do if the glasses are scratched or damaged?
Do not use them. Even small defects can make them unsafe.
When is the next solar eclipse?
On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will take place, one of the most important eclipses visible from Europe in decades. Spain will be one of the countries where it can be observed best, especially in the north and in areas with a clear western horizon.
What time does the eclipse 2026 start?
In Spain, the eclipse will begin in the late afternoon.
• Peninsula:
• Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera):
• Peninsula:
The start time will be between 7:15 pm and 7:45 pm, depending on the location.
• Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera):
The eclipse will start around 7:30 pm, reach its maximum close to sunset at approximately 8:31 pm, and then set below the horizon while still partially eclipsed.
The exact time depends on the specific location.
The exact time depends on the specific location.
How long does a solar eclipse last?
The complete phenomenon lasts more than two hours, from the moment the Moon begins to cover the surface of the Sun until it finishes crossing it completely. The maximum phase lasts only a few minutes and is the most spectacular moment of the eclipse.
Where can the solar eclipse be seen?
The solar eclipse of August 12, 2026 will be visible as a partial eclipse in northern North America, most of Europe, and western Africa.
The path of totality will cross the Arctic Ocean, northeastern Greenland, and the western edge of Iceland, then cross the Atlantic Ocean and enter the Iberian Peninsula from west to east. Along its path, it will pass over many provincial capitals, from A Coruña to Palma, including León, Bilbao, Zaragoza, and Valencia.
In the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza), the eclipse will be total and will coincide with sunset, making the archipelago one of the most spectacular places in Europe to observe it, provided there is a clear western horizon.
The path of totality will cross the Arctic Ocean, northeastern Greenland, and the western edge of Iceland, then cross the Atlantic Ocean and enter the Iberian Peninsula from west to east. Along its path, it will pass over many provincial capitals, from A Coruña to Palma, including León, Bilbao, Zaragoza, and Valencia.
In the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza), the eclipse will be total and will coincide with sunset, making the archipelago one of the most spectacular places in Europe to observe it, provided there is a clear western horizon.
How will the eclipse look in partial eclipse areas?
In regions outside the path of totality, the eclipse will be partial but with a high percentage of the Sun covered, so the darkening will be clearly noticeable.
How often do solar eclipses occur?
Solar eclipses occur every year somewhere in the world, but the path of totality is very narrow and only crosses specific regions of the planet. For this reason, a total solar eclipse visible from the same country may take decades to repeat.
In Spain, this situation is particularly exceptional. After the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, the next total solar eclipse visible from the country will occur on August 2, 2027, especially favorable in the south of the peninsula.
Having two total solar eclipses visible from Spain in consecutive years is extraordinarily rare, making 2026 and 2027 a unique opportunity to observe this phenomenon without leaving the country.
In Spain, this situation is particularly exceptional. After the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, the next total solar eclipse visible from the country will occur on August 2, 2027, especially favorable in the south of the peninsula.
Having two total solar eclipses visible from Spain in consecutive years is extraordinarily rare, making 2026 and 2027 a unique opportunity to observe this phenomenon without leaving the country.
Is it dangerous to look at a solar eclipse without protection?
Yes. Looking at the Sun without proper protection is dangerous, even when it is partially covered by the Moon.
What happens if I look at the eclipse without protection?
You may suffer permanent damage to the retina, known as solar retinopathy. It does not cause immediate pain, but vision loss can be irreversible. In fact, during the 2024 North American eclipse, a significant increase was observed in internet searches related to eye pain and possible visual damage, measured using tools such as Google Trends and correlated with the eclipse path.
What happens if it is cloudy on the day of the eclipse?
Even if there are clouds, you should never look directly at the Sun without protection. If the Sun becomes visible through gaps in the clouds, eclipse glasses are still necessary.
How can I contact Astromo?
You can contact us at:
Email:
hello@astromo.space
hello@astromo.space
Phone:
(+34) 871 032 188
(+34) 871 032 188
WhatsApp:
Available through our website, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Monday to Friday)
Available through our website, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Monday to Friday)
Where is Astromo located?
Our operations center is located in Palma de Mallorca, in the Balearic Islands. Specifically in the Son Cotoner neighborhood, at Calle Nuestra Senyora de Bonany 25. This is where our printing workshop and office are located.
Where are orders shipped from?
All orders are shipped from our offices in Palma de Mallorca (Balearic Islands). We work with carriers offering competitive rates, so shipping costs are the same as from any other point in Spain.
Can I pick up my order in person?
We do not have a physical store, but you can come to our studio to collect your order. Our opening hours are from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
When placing your order, remember to select the “in-store pickup” option. This way, no shipping costs will be charged.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship to almost anywhere in the world. To calculate your shipping costs, simply enter your location and they will be calculated automatically.
Can I return my order?
In accordance with current regulations, you have 14 calendar days from receipt of your order to notify us of your intention to withdraw from the purchase, and an additional 14 days to return the product.
For more information, please review our Returns Policy.
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