Monaco is set to witness a rare celestial event, with a partial solar eclipse visible across the Principality on Wednesday, August 12, between 7:20pm and 9:10pm, peaking at around 8:25pm, when nearly 95 percent of the Sun’s disc will be obscured by the Moon.
The eclipse forms part of a much larger event: mainland Europe’s first total solar eclipse since 1999, with totality sweeping across Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain, before the Moon’s shadow reaches as far as the Mediterranean. While Monaco won’t experience full totality, the near-total coverage expected here still promises a striking sight as the sun approaches the horizon over the Mediterranean.
With demand building over the past several days, shops and pharmacies across the Principality have reported being swamped by residents seeking protective eclipse glasses, with many outlets now out of stock, making the search increasingly difficult for last-minute buyers.
Health authorities are urging strict caution around viewing the eclipse. Looking directly at the sun with the naked eye, even briefly, can cause serious and potentially permanent damage to the retina. The eclipse should only be viewed using certified solar viewing glasses bearing the CE marking and complying with the ISO 12312-2 safety standard, standard sunglasses, however dark, offer no meaningful protection against the sun’s rays during an eclipse.
For those able to secure proper eyewear in time, this evening offers a rare opportunity to witness one of the summer’s most anticipated astronomical events from the Principality.