The countdown to the solar eclipse on 12 August has begun, with the total phase visible only from the Iberian Peninsula. However, the Canary Islands will experience a stunning partial eclipse, attracting thousands to beaches, viewpoints, and open spaces to witness one of the year’s most anticipated astronomical events.
In preparation for the expected surge of observers, the Canary Islands Ministry of Health, through the Canary Health Service (SCS), has issued safety recommendations to protect eyesight during the event.
Experts warn that the primary risk is retinal damage, which can be irreversible and occur from looking directly at the Sun without appropriate protection, even when part of it is obscured by the Moon. They stress the need to use certified eclipse glasses.
The Ministry cautions that regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, do not block harmful solar radiation. Other makeshift methods like X-rays, CDs, DVDs, tinted glasses, or 3D cinema glasses are also ineffective.
Before purchasing eclipse glasses, the SCS recommends verifying that they are marked with CE, comply with the EN ISO 12312-2:2015 standard, clearly identify the manufacturer or importer, and include usage instructions. The filters should be scratch-free, intact, and without visible defects.
Experts also advise wearing these glasses before looking at the Sun and keeping them on during the entire observation of the partial eclipse. Extra vigilance is urged for children and the elderly, and viewers should never look at the eclipse through cameras, binoculars, or telescopes without proper solar filters.
ACIHL Travels to Burgos for Eclipse Totality
The Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Humanities of Lanzarote (ACIHL) will relocate its activities to Arija, Burgos, as the totality phase is not visible from the Canary Islands. From 11 to 13 August, the institution will join an academic meeting organised with the Real European Academy of Doctors and the Arija Town Hall.
The event will feature talks by ACIHL president Francisco González de Posada and several esteemed scientists from Lanzarote, including Abelardo Bethencourt Fernández, Jesús Martínez Frías, and Enrique de Ferra Fantín, along with other invited academics.
The day of the eclipse will also see the observation and documentation of the total solar eclipse alongside the Perseid meteor shower, creating a rare dual event for the scientific community.
