Solar Eclipse 2026: How to view the solar eclipse safely - even without glasses
Even without special glasses, there are still a few methods to view the solar eclipse safely from home.
Tomorrow will be a rare chance for people in Scotland to enjoy the best solar eclipse the UK has seen in decades tomorrow evening.
The eclipse on Wednesday, August 12 marks the closest the UK has come to totality since 1999 - with no events quite as dramatic predicted until 2081.
Beginning from around 6pm in Scotland, the event is expected to last around two hours. Despite how exciting the eclipse is, it even more vital to never look directly at the sun.
Here is everything you need to know about watching the solar eclipse safely from the UK - and how you can DIY a tool to watch the eclipse.
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Why can’t I look directly at a solar eclipse?
While it may be tempting, looking directly at the sun during a solar eclipse can cause severe damage to the eyes and possibly even blindness.
It is easier than normal to look at the sun during an eclipse as it will appear dimmer than usual. However, the lack of brightness does not mean that no harm is being done.
It is actually quite the opposite. Without pain signals from the bright rays, bodies don’t have the same urge to look away and, as such, damage can be caused to the retina before you even realise there has been harm done.
Unsure about the potential risks?
Following the 1999 eclipse, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists reported 70 cases of related vision problems. Of those cases, around 40% of people shared they looked directly at the sun for less than a minute.
How to view the eclipse safely
Whether you are heading out to try and get the best view of the eclipse or staying close to home, there are a few methods to view the solar eclipse safely.
Solar Eclipse Glasses
One of the easiest ways - if you can get your hands on some - is to use special solar eclipse glasses, with specially designed filters.
If you have managed to acquire a pair, or a handheld viewer, make sure that they meet the international safety standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E). If the lenses are damaged or scratched in anyway do not use them at all.
With that being said, unless you were organised your chances of securing a pair at the last minute will be slim.
Pinhole Projector
If you don’t have a pair of solar glasses but want to be able to watch the eclipse, you can still view the event safely by making a pinhole projector, using a colander or taking advantage of tree leaves.
Want to make your own? Here’s our step-by-step guide to making a pinhole projector at home
These DIY methods mean you won’t be looking head on at the solar eclipse, but instead viewing the sun on another surface.
Alternatively, you can watch the Royal Observatory Greenwich’s livestream of the eclipse from Flamsteed House.
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