Astromo Solar Eclipse Glasses

Ready for the solar eclipse on 12 August 2026? On this Wednesday the Sun will be obscured over Switzerland by up to 92 percent – strongest in Valais, around 91 percent in Zurich, Bern and Basel. Maximum coverage hits at about 20:18 in the evening. It's the most spectacular astronomical event of the year in Europe and the last such show over Central Europe for many years.

With the ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses from Astromo you can safely protect your eyes and witness the natural spectacle in full splendour – with zero risk to your retina.

Why certified glasses are absolutely essential

Looking at the Sun directly – even for seconds during a partial eclipse – can cause irreversible retinal damage without you feeling any pain. Regular sunglasses, welder's glass, exposed film or smoked glass offer NO protection. Only filters meeting ISO 12312-2:2015 reliably block harmful UV, infrared and visible radiation down to safe levels.

Astromo «1984» – Safety meets vintage design

• ISO 12312-2:2015 certified – the globally recognised standard for direct solar observation
• 0.16 mm black PET filter with UV and IR blocking
• High-quality laminated cardboard frame – water-, sweat- and tear-resistant
• Foldable in two configurations – fits adults and children
• REACH-compliant and free of harmful substances
• Designed in Mallorca by Astromo, member of the Meteoritical Society
• Vintage «1984» design – one of four curated Astromo designs

What's in the box

• 1 × Astromo Solar Eclipse Glasses, Vintage «1984» design

FAQ – The 2026 solar eclipse

When exactly is the eclipse visible in Switzerland?
Wednesday, 12 August 2026. The eclipse begins in the late afternoon and reaches its peak at around 20:18 (Swiss summer time). The Sun will be low on the western horizon – a clear westward view is ideal.

What percentage will be obscured in Switzerland?
Up to 92% in Valais (peak in Leuk), around 91% in Zurich, Bern and Basel. Totality is only experienced in Spain, Iceland and Greenland – in Central Europe it remains a partial eclipse.

Where to view in Switzerland?
Pick a location with a clear westward view: hilltops, viewing platforms, lake shores. Popular spots include Uetliberg (ZH), Gurten (BE), Bantiger, Säntis and Rigi. Since the maximum falls during dusk, city lights interfere less than at night.

Can children use the glasses?
Yes – the Astromo «1984» is foldable and fits both children's and adults' heads thanks to two configurations. Important: children must observe under adult supervision and never remove the glasses while looking at the Sun.

How long can I look continuously?
Astronomers recommend a maximum of three minutes at a time, then a break. This way you experience all phases – entry, maximum, exit – without tiring your eyes.

What if the glasses are scratched or damaged?
Hold them up to the light and inspect before every use – even a tiny hole or crack makes the filter unsafe. Use a fresh pair rather than risk it.

Can I look through binoculars or a telescope with the glasses?
Absolutely not! Optical instruments concentrate sunlight and melt the filter within seconds. For telescopes and binoculars you need dedicated solar filters mounted IN FRONT of the lens.

What if it's cloudy on 12 August?
Clouds dim the spectacle but even thin veils still allow viewing through certified glasses. With heavy clouds: live streams from Spain (NASA, ESA, BBC Sky at Night) show the totality in real time.

Will the glasses last until the next eclipse?
With careful storage (dry, dark, flat) for years. The next total solar eclipse over Spain is on 2 August 2027 – your Astromo glasses are ready for that too.

Are the glasses reusable?
Yes, multiple times – as long as filter and frame are intact. Always inspect visually before each use.

Tips & tricks for an unforgettable experience

• Family event: grab several pairs and watch together – children love “looking at the Sun”
• Shadow projection: hold a sieve or perforated paper into the Sun – the light spots on the ground show the “Moon bites” as crescents
• Pinhole camera: hole in one card, image projected on a second card – safe and fascinating for kids
• Check the weather: from 10 August follow the forecast for your location, travel to clearer skies if needed
• Use the sunset phase: with maximum around 20:18, the Sun sits low – atmospheric colours amplify the effect

Important safety warnings

• NEVER look directly at the Sun without certified glasses – not even at maximum coverage
• Sunglasses, smoked glass, welder's glass, exposed film: all UNSUITABLE
• Inspect glasses against light before each use – no holes, no cracks
• Don't look through optical devices (binoculars, telescope, camera, smartphone) without dedicated solar filters
• Maximum three minutes at a time, then a break
• If any visual disturbance occurs, look away immediately and consult an ophthalmologist

About Astromo

Astromo is a design studio from Palma de Mallorca, founded by space enthusiasts and members of the Meteoritical Society and The Planetary Society. The ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses collection was created specifically for the three solar eclipses 2026, 2027 and 2028 over Spain. Designed in Mallorca, scientifically precise and aesthetically considered.