Overview
- A total solar eclipse will cross eastern Greenland, western Iceland and parts of northern Spain and Portugal on August 12, while most of Europe and the UK will see a very deep partial eclipse.
- Certified ISO 12312-2 solar‑viewing glasses have largely sold out online and local shortages are reported in parts of France, raising urgent supply concerns for casual viewers.
- Ophthalmologists and public‑health bodies say ordinary sunglasses and unverified knock‑offs are unsafe because they do not block harmful UV and IR radiation and can cause painless but permanent retinal damage.
- Agencies including NASA and European researchers have set coordinated observation plans, with NASA flying a high‑altitude chase plane and teams launching balloons to extend the brief window of totality for scientific study.
- Short‑range weather forecasts for key population centers such as London looked favorable but clouds, low western horizons at sunset, and travel crowding remain the main uncertainties for people planning to watch in person.