Obscuration
%
12 August 2026 · 19:24 CEST
Solar Eclipse over Switzerland
The last great sky spectacle above our heads before 2090. Up to 92 % of the Sun will be hidden by the Moon — and the maximum happens just before sunset.
--
Days
--
Hours
--
Min
--
Sec
What you will see in Switzerland
On Wednesday evening, 12 August 2026, the Moon slides between Earth and Sun. The total phase of the eclipse is only visible over Iceland, the Atlantic and northern Spain. In Switzerland we experience a partial solar eclipse — but a particularly deep one: depending on the region, 88 % to 92 % of the solar disc will be covered. This is the deepest event of its kind at our latitude in decades.
Why this date is special
The maximum of the eclipse coincides almost exactly with sunset. A crescent Sun, up to 92 % obscured, sets at the west-northwest horizon — a sight most people never witness in their lifetime. The next comparably deep eclipse over Switzerland will not occur until 2090.
Your personal eclipse check
Enter your postal code and you will get exact data for your location: obscuration, start, maximum and how long the spectacle stays visible before the Sun sets.
Swiss postal code (4 digits)
Start
First contact
Maximum
Crescent Sun
Visible until
Sunset
What you need nowAstromo Eclipse Glasses — ISO 12312-2 certified
→
⚠️ Never look at the Sun unprotected
Even at 92 % obscuration, the remaining Sun is about 10,000 times brighter than the full Moon. A brief glance without protection can permanently burn your retina — and you will not feel it, because the retina has no pain receptors.
What does NOT work
- Sunglasses (even expensive UV-400 ones) — let too much light through
- Smoked glass, CDs, floppy disks — myths, dangerous
- Stacking several sunglasses — useless
- Photo filters, ND filters — do not reliably block UV/IR
- Looking directly through a smartphone or camera — damages sensor and eye
What works safely
- Eclipse glasses certified to ISO 12312-2 — the only approved method
- Welder’s shield ≥ shade 14 (rarely available in practice)
- Pinhole projection onto white paper
Astromo Eclipse Glasses
ISO 12312-2 certified · CE compliant · for adults and children from 3 years · still usable in 4 years for the next solar eclipse on 2 August 2027. Shipped from Switzerland, at your door the next day.
CHF 4.95
incl. VAT · Shipping CHF 6.95 (free above CHF 70)
Order now →
Frequently asked questions
Is one pair of glasses enough for several people?
No. Each person needs their own pair. Adults and children should be able to watch at the same time, not in turns.
Can I still use the glasses after 12 August 2026?
Yes. On 2 August 2027 the next partial solar eclipse will already be visible over Central Europe (around 25-30 % obscuration in Switzerland). Store the glasses scratch-free — the filter itself does not age.
What happens if the sky is cloudy?
With dense cloud cover you will not see the eclipse directly, but you will notice a dramatically darker daytime sky, cooler temperatures and changed bird sounds. Watch the weather forecast for 12 August — if western Switzerland is overcast, Ticino might be clearer.
Can I photograph it with my phone or camera?
Only with a solar filter in front of the lens. Never point a bare camera lens directly at the Sun — the sensor can melt. Holding our glasses in front of the lens works reasonably well for smartphone shots.
What about children?
From about 3 years old with supervision is fine. The key point: the glasses must fit well, the child must not peek past the edges. Test it at home: glasses on, look at a bright lamp — if you only see a faint glow, all is well.
Where is the best place to watch?
Because the maximum happens just before sunset, you need a clear west-northwest view. Hills, viewpoints, lake shores facing west are ideal. In cities: higher floors or observation towers. The Valais, foothill heights and Jura ridges offer the best conditions.