Skywatchers in Monaco and the Alpes-Maritimes are being encouraged to enjoy the partial solar eclipse on Wednesday, August 12, while taking the necessary precautions to protect their eyesight…
The eclipse will be visible during the evening, from approximately 7:20 pm until 9:10 pm, reaching its maximum over Monaco at around 8:25 pm. Although the event promises a spectacular celestial display, officials are reminding the public that looking directly at the Sun without appropriate protection, even for a few seconds, can cause permanent retinal damage and irreversible loss of vision.
Anyone wishing to observe the eclipse should use only certified solar viewing glasses bearing the CE marking and complying with the ISO 12312-2 safety standard. These are available from opticians, pharmacies and specialist retailers. Ordinary sunglasses, regardless of how dark they appear, do not provide adequate protection and must never be used for viewing the Sun.
Parents and guardians are also urged to supervise children carefully throughout the event to ensure they do not look directly at the eclipse without suitable eye protection.
Health authorities advise anyone who experiences persistent blurred or reduced vision, or notices a dark spot in their field of vision after viewing the eclipse, to seek prompt medical advice from an ophthalmologist. With the right precautions, the eclipse can be enjoyed safely by everyone.
Image: Justin Dickey