Luxembourg's Ministry of Health and Social Security has published guidance on safely viewing the partial solar eclipse that will be visible in the Grand Duchy on Wednesday 12 August 2026.
According to the ministry, around 90% of the Sun will be obscured by the Moon during the partial solar eclipse, which is expected to begin at around 19:20. It has also reminded the public of the precautions to follow when viewing the eclipse:
- Never look directly at the Sun without appropriate protection, even if a large part of the Sun is obscured by the Moon or the sky is overcast;
- Only use solar viewing glasses that comply with the international ISO 12312-2 standard and are - produced by a reputable manufacturer. The glasses must not be creased, scratched or punctured. Before use, check that they are undamaged by holding them in front of a bright light source, such as a lamp. If light passes through the filter or pinpoints of light are visible, the filter is damaged and the glasses must not be used;
- Solar viewing glasses must be worn throughout the eclipse and must completely cover the eyes and eyelids;
- Do not use ordinary sunglasses, including category 4 or polarised sunglasses, as they do not adequately filter the Sun's invisible radiation. Even very dark sunglasses or 3D glasses can damage the eyes and cause irreversible retinal injury;
- Do not observe the eclipse through a camera, binoculars or a telescope, even while wearing solar viewing glasses. The concentrated rays from these optical devices can cause serious eye injuries;
- Protect yourself from the Sun by wearing a cap or hat, applying sunscreen and staying well hydrated.
The ministry strongly recommends that anyone who may remove their eye protection spontaneously should not observe the eclipse. It added that adults responsible for children, including parents, educators and accompanying adults, should take particular care to ensure that children are properly protected.
The ministry also warned that observing an eclipse without appropriate eye protection can cause irreversible retinal burns. It noted that such injuries are painless but may result in reduced vision, the appearance of a black or grey spot or a blurred area in the centre of the field of vision, distorted vision, or changes in colour or contrast perception. While some of these effects may improve over time, "permanent visual impairment may remain".
