Eclipse Glasses Sell Out in Switzerland Ahead of August 12 Event

Switzerland will experience a 90% partial solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, starting around 7 p.m. and peaking between 8:15 p.m. and 8:20 p.m. The astronomical event has triggered a buying frenzy for certified eclipse glasses, with retailers reporting stock depletion days before the phenomenon. Spain will see a total eclipse, while Swiss astronomers are traveling abroad to witness the full effect.

Why eclipse glasses are selling out

Certified eclipse glasses are disappearing from Swiss opticians, pharmacies, and drugstores faster than suppliers can restock. According to the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (BAG), protective eyewear must meet the ISO 12312-2:2015 standard and carry a CE mark to safely block ultraviolet rays and infrared light. Dr. Niklas Winkler of the University Hospital Zurich’s eye clinic warned that even during a partial eclipse, invisible UV rays and infrared light penetrate the eye and cause severe, often permanent damage to the retina. Counterfeit or unverified glasses offer no protection.

Where to find certified eclipse glasses

Protective eyewear is available at opticians, pharmacies, and drugstores across Switzerland, though supplies are dwindling. The BAG explicitly warns against using blackened glass, regular sunglasses, films, CDs, or optical instruments like telescopes without specialized filters. Alpine tourism operators are also preparing: the Tracouet gondola in Valais will operate continuously until 9 p.m. on August 12 and will sell protective glasses at the restaurant with limited stock available.

Timing and visibility across Switzerland

The partial eclipse begins around 7 p.m. across Switzerland, with peak coverage between 8:15 p.m. and 8:20 p.m. The event ends near 9 p.m., though the sun will set before the eclipse fully concludes. On the Hagen in Schaffhausen, the eclipse starts at 7:23 p.m. and 57 seconds, peaks at 8:17 p.m. and 24 seconds, according to timeanddate.com data. High-altitude locations with clear views offer the best viewing conditions.

Swiss astronomers traveling to Spain for totality

Two prominent Swiss astronomers are traveling to Spain to witness the total eclipse. Astronomer Eliane Dubois is heading to Mallorca to experience her fifth solar eclipse, while astrophysicist Marc Horat is planning a road trip with his son and parents to catch the full phenomenon. Spain will experience a complete eclipse, offering a far more dramatic spectacle than Switzerland’s 90% partial coverage.

Final Thoughts

With eclipse glasses already scarce and the August 12 event four days away, Swiss residents seeking to safely view the eclipse must act quickly. Verify that any eyewear carries the ISO 12312-2:2015 certification and CE mark before purchasing.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.