Can you take eclipse glasses off during the 2026 UK eclipse?
It's one of the most important questions about the 2026 eclipse — and getting it wrong can cost you your sight. Can you take your eclipse glasses off during the 12 August 2026 UK eclipse?
The short answer: no
In the UK, 12 August 2026 is a partial eclipse. The Moon covers most of the Sun — up to about 96% in the far south-west — but it never covers it completely. Because a sliver of the Sun's surface stays visible the entire time, it is never safe to look without certified protection at any stage.
Why people get confused
During a total solar eclipse, there's a brief window of "totality" when the Sun is 100% covered and observers in that narrow path can look with the naked eye. The UK is not in the path of totality in 2026, so there is no safe moment to remove your glasses. Advice about "taking glasses off during totality" simply does not apply here.
What to do instead
- Keep your Eclipse Glasses UK filters on the whole time you're looking at the Sun, from first contact to last.
- Only take them off when you look away from the Sun.
- Supervise children closely throughout.
- Never view through a camera, phone, binoculars or telescope without a dedicated solar filter — eclipse glasses alone are not enough for those.
Watch the crescent safely
With proper filters you'll see a beautiful deep crescent Sun low in the evening sky. Our certified, EN ISO 12312-2 and CE marked eclipse glasses let you enjoy every minute of it safely. Order by 6 August 2026 for guaranteed UK delivery.