On the evening of August 12, the path of a total solar eclipse will pass across Spain. However, it will be impossible to look at the Sun with the naked eye even during the eclipse. That is why, ahead of the event, unprecedented demand for special solar-viewing glasses is being seen across the country.
Solar Eclipse
On August 12, Earth will experience a total solar eclipse. More precisely, the Moon will completely cover the Sun over a number of regions, which can be read about in this article. In Europe, the largest country where this astronomical phenomenon will be visible will be Spain. Ahead of the event, phys.org reports, there has been a surge in demand for solar-viewing glasses across the country.
This is connected with the fact that looking at the Sun with the naked eye, and especially through an optical device, is unsafe. Intense radiation can damage the retina permanently. A person can simply go blind. That is why special light filters must be used, and most ordinary sunglasses are far too weak for this purpose. Something much stronger is required, similar to welding glasses.
Spanish authorities and scientists, who actively encouraged public interest in the solar eclipse, had been preparing for it in advance by distributing certified glasses. However, it appears that retailers were unable to cope with the enormous demand.
No Glasses Left
Optical stores across Spain sold out of their certified glasses several days ago. The total number sold over the past few months reached 4 million, although it is obvious that the number of people wishing to buy them is much higher.
At least one case is known in which, on Monday, a small shop in Spain received two boxes containing about 100 pairs of glasses each, and within just 30 minutes they had completely sold out. Ultimately, people can be understood: they want to see the eclipse, even if they have to pay $3–4 for a pair of glasses.
High demand for glasses and special protective filters is also being observed in other Western European countries, where the Moon will cover up to 90% of the Sun’s disk. As a result, the glasses have sold out not only in Spain but, for example, in Belgium as well.
