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.

📍 Guaranteed in time for the eclipse: All orders placed now will be dispatched on Monday, 10 August. Swiss Post will deliver on Tuesday, 11 August – or, in the unlikely event of a postal delay, on Wednesday, 12 August at the latest. Your glasses are guaranteed to reach you in time for the eclipse.

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. Remember: everyone needs their own pair – best to order for the whole family right away. We ship from our warehouse in Switzerland: orders placed by Tuesday 11 August, 5 pm, are guaranteed to arrive in time for the eclipse.

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 – 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
• Curated vintage designs – e.g. «Cosmos», «Starman» or «Nemo», delivered assorted (no design choice possible)

What's in the box

• 1 × Astromo Solar Eclipse Glasses (assorted design)

FAQ – The 2026 solar eclipse

Will my glasses arrive in time for 12 August?
Yes – we ship from our warehouse in Switzerland. Orders placed by Tuesday 11 August, 5 pm, are guaranteed to arrive in time for the solar eclipse. The earlier you order, the more relaxed the wait.

Where can I buy solar eclipse glasses in Switzerland?
Right here in our shop – we ship from our own warehouse in Switzerland and the glasses are in stock. PostPac Priority shipping costs CHF 6.95 and is free from CHF 70 order value; if you prefer, we also deliver on Saturday for CHF 9.95. We do not offer local pickup – your order always goes out by post.

Can I choose the design?
No – the glasses are sold assorted across several curated Astromo designs (e.g. «Cosmos», «Starman» or «Nemo»). If you order several pairs, we mix the designs where possible. Due to very high demand we unfortunately cannot accommodate design requests – protection and fit are identical across all designs.

Are eclipse safety glasses the same as solar eclipse glasses?
Yes – solar eclipse glasses, eclipse safety glasses or solar viewers all mean the same product. What matters is not the name but the standard: only a filter meeting ISO 12312-2:2015 is approved for looking directly at the Sun. Industrial safety goggles and welding glasses do not meet this standard and are unsuitable.

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 glasses are foldable and fit 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.

Can I wear the glasses over my prescription glasses?
Yes. Astromo states that the glasses can be worn comfortably over prescription glasses as long as they sit snugly against the face. The two folding configurations let you adapt the fit. Make sure no direct sunlight reaches your eyes around the sides.

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) yes – Astromo states a maximum service life of three years, after which the glasses should be replaced. That is plenty for the next opportunity: on 2 August 2027 another partial solar eclipse will be visible from Switzerland – in the morning, peaking around 11 a.m., with about 55 percent obscuration in the north and just over 60 percent in Valais. Your Astromo glasses are ready for that too. A total solar eclipse, however, will not be visible from Switzerland again until 3 September 2081.

Are the glasses reusable?
Yes, multiple times – as long as filter and frame are intact and the three-year service life has not been exceeded. 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