12/08/2026
We are sure many of you already know about the Partial Solar Eclipse happening this evening! For Bristol and the surrounding areas this is due to start at 6:17pm for "first contact" (the moon starts to first cover the disc of the sun) and then maximum coverage will be around 7:12pm.
Although this is an exciting event, safety needs to be at the forefront of everyone's mind. Please remember to encourage your little ones to not look directly at the sun during this time to avoid any eyesight damage. During an eclipse, the sun appears dimmer than usual. This makes it easier to look at directly which is the problem - the reduced brightness can override the body's natural reflex to look away which allows intense sunlight to reach and damage inside your eye. This can happen without pain so you may not realise any harm has occurred without pain.
If you have managed to get hold of any eclipse glasses please make sure they have been purchased from a reputable retailer and check that they meet the international safety standard (ISO 12312-2:2015(E)). If your glasses appear to not be genuine or are, but are scratched, torn or damaged in any way please do not use them.
There are a few easy ways to enjoy the eclipse safely which can be made quickly at home using a simple items from around the house - take a look here:
With some shops running out of stock, it may be too late to buy eclipse glasses - but you can still safely watch the spectacle using some household items.