On August 12, 2026, a solar eclipse will immerse part of the France in near-night, with up to more than 99% of the disk of the Sun hidden depending on the region. In the English Channel, the Moon will begin to cover the star around 7:20 p.m., for a maximum obscuration of 93.7% expected around 8:16 p.m.
Twenty-seven years after the total eclipse of August 11, 1999, millions of curious people are preparing to raise their eyes to the sky so as not to miss this rare event. But behind the announced spectacle, another countdown has already started: that of protective glasses essential to observe the eclipse without danger. L’French Astronomical Association (AFA) warns of a real risk of shortage, remembering the last days of 1999, already “delirious to find glasses”, as recalled by Alain Cirou, president of the AFA, cited by Actu.fr.
Solar eclipse of August 12, 2026: why do astronomers fear a shortage of protective glasses?
On August 11, 1999, “All the actors involved had distributed 25 million pairs of glasses in France, and that was not enough”, recounts Alain Cirou in 20 Minutes. For 2026, the AFA estimates the need at nearly 40 million pairs, well above the volumes currently forecast.
A few months before the event, Alain Cirou says he is “quite worried” and judges that “we are heading straight towards a shortage of glasses”. For him, if nothing is anticipated, France risks reliving the rush of 1999 during the solar eclipse of August 12, 2026.
Solar eclipse of August 12, 2026: what protective glasses to avoid “eclipse blindness”?
“The main risk is what we call eclipse blindness,” explains Philippe Stée, president of theParis Observatory. In the absence of protection, the rays burn the retina and can leave a painless but permanent black spot, recalls the astronomer. Hence the obligation to wear glasses that meet the standard ISO 12312-2:2015which filter 100% of ultraviolet and infrared rays and only allow residual light to pass through.
“Any other process for observing the Sun is prohibited,” says Alain Cirou for the AFA. So no more sunglasses, photo films, survival blankets or medical radios. The only safe alternatives are grade 14 welding masks, which are difficult to find, or indirect observation by projection (pinhole camera or shadows of leaves on the ground).
Solar eclipse of August 12, 2026: where to find protective glasses and how to manage a possible shortage?
Compliant eclipse glasses, sold between €1.50 and €4, can be found in astronomy clubs, magazines like Sky and Spacefrom certain opticians and specialized sites. Dominique Boust, from the Querqueville astronomy group, recalls that it is possible to reuse old glasses “provided that they are perfectly preserved, they must not have scratches or holes”.
To limit the tension on stocks, astronomers insist on early purchasing and sharing. “It is not necessary to have a pair of glasses per person, this phenomenon is not instantaneous, it will last for 1 hour 49 minutes. The best way is to share protection to avoid a shortage,” advises Dominique Boust. And if you arrive too late, it’s better to make a projection device than risk your eyesight by looking directly at the Sun.