Eclipse this, eclipse that… For the past few weeks, there's been only one thing on everyone's lips: the solar eclipse on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. And indeed, this one is rather exceptional since the last one took place in 1999 and the next won't happen until 2081. Needless to say, this is an event you won't want to miss, starting at 7:20 p.m.! While we all know it's absolutely essential to wear ISO 12312-2 certified glasses, there are quite a few other rules to follow, including things you absolutely shouldn't do to protect yourself and your electronic devices.
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A Danger for Your Eyes
Planning to watch the eclipse from one of Paris's many great spots tonight? Wonderful. But watch out, there are definitely some things you shouldn't do!
1) Look at the Sun without special glasses: you risk burning your retina and the damage is irreversible.
2) Remove your glasses at the darkest moment: just because it's shadowy doesn't mean the dangerous UV rays disappear from your eyes—the risks stay the same.
3) Watch the eclipse with anything other than certified eclipse glasses: sunglasses, medical X-rays, photo negatives, telescopes, cameras… Forget about it! The protection is basically zero, and you'll simply damage your eyesight.
>4) Wearing the same glasses as in 1999: if you managed to catch this phenomenon 27 years ago, we're here to remind you that safety standards have evolved. The right glasses are certified ISO 12312-2:2015, available at pharmacies or opticians. Be careful about the compliance of glasses purchased online!
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Your camera equipment is equally sensitive
A phenomenon this unique naturally sparks the urge to snap photos to treasure the memory. But just like your eyes, the lenses and sensors in your phones or cameras are extremely sensitive to UV radiation and risk being damaged. So there are definitely some things to avoid!
5) Taking photos without protecting your camera lens: the Sun can damage them in seconds. However, solar filters are available to keep them safe.
6) Attaching certified eclipse glasses to your phone's sensors: these glasses are designed for the human eye, not digital devices.
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