Solar Eclipse Captivates Belgium: Warnings Issued as Viewers Rush for Protective Glasses
Belgium is bracing for its most spectacular solar eclipse in nearly three decades, with the moon set to cover approximately 90 percent of the sun this evening. The partial eclipse, the largest visible from the country since 1999, has triggered a nationwide rush on protective eclipse glasses even as authorities and medical experts issue urgent warnings about the dangers of viewing the event without proper eye protection.
The eclipse will begin at 19:18 local time, reach its maximum at 20:13 when the moon covers about 90 percent of the sun, and end at 21:05 around sunset, according to VRT NWS. A total solar eclipse will be visible in northern Spain, the Balearic Islands, Iceland, and Greenland, with maximum totality lasting 2 minutes and 18 seconds just off Iceland’s west coast near Patreksfjordur, as detailed on Wikipedia.
A Nationwide Rush on Eclipse Glasses
The demand for certified eclipse glasses has reached unprecedented levels across Belgium. Volkssterrenwacht Urania has sold 180,000 eclipse glasses for this event, with 80,000 sold in the final two weeks through Urania and the MAS museum shop in Antwerp. The MAS shop, which opened exceptionally on its usual closing day, has now completely sold out, according to the VRT NWS liveblog.
Pharmacies and opticians have been scrambling to meet demand. A pharmacist in Wetteren secured 10,000 eclipse glasses from Germany as a last-minute supply, while 400 glasses at a Delhaize in Lochristi sold out in just 15 minutes, with 2,000 more arriving in the afternoon.
A Stark Warning: Permanent Eye Damage
Amid the excitement, medical experts are emphasizing the serious risks of viewing the eclipse without proper protection. Dutch woman Jennifer Walgemoed (22) from Friesland suffered permanent eye damage after viewing a partial solar eclipse in 2021 without protection. She now lives with permanent blurred vision and black spots in her field of view that cannot be corrected with glasses or laser treatment.
“Because of that I still see blurry,” Walgemoed told Het Laatste Nieuws. “That can’t be fixed with glasses or laser treatment. It stays that way forever.” She urged others: “Really don’t look without special glasses. Not even briefly. I myself only looked very briefly, but I’m stuck with it for life.”
Ophthalmologists stress that even sunglasses offer insufficient protection. “Even sunglasses aren’t strong enough,” said Belgian ophthalmologist Liselotte Aerts. “They block direct sunlight but still let harmful radiation through, which can cause small burns on your retina.” Dutch ophthalmologist Ike Schouten noted that a strong category 3 beach sunglasses still lets 8 to 18 percent of light through, while a real eclipse glass lets only one thousandth of the light through.
Official Safety Guidance
The Federal Public Service Economy (FOD Economie) has issued an official warning about unreliable eclipse glasses, urging consumers to check for the CE marking and ensure glasses are specifically designed for direct solar observation. “The safety of your eyes leaves no room for improvisation,” the agency stated. “With a few simple checks before your purchase, you can safely enjoy this special natural phenomenon.”
Experts also warn against dangerous alternatives like CDs or DVDs. “Then you might as well use nothing and look directly at the sun,” said Charles Bruninx of opticians association APOOB. “And you really must not do that. You can even go blind from it.” For those without eclipse glasses, safe alternatives include using welding glass with shade 14 or higher, following livestreams, or creating a simple camera obscura projection.
Power Grid Prepared
European grid operators expect solar panels to generate 9.7 gigawatts less electricity during the eclipse. Walter Geelen, head of the National Control Center at Belgian grid operator Elia, reassured the public: “The lights will stay on.” The event is perfectly predictable, allowing grid operators to prepare by activating gas plants, battery parks, and hydroelectric stations.
A Rare Celestial Event
This eclipse marks the first time since 1999 that the moon’s core shadow strikes the European mainland. A solar eclipse of this magnitude will not be visible from Belgium again until 2081, and a well-visible total solar eclipse from Belgium won’t occur until May 25, 2142. For those willing to travel, a total solar eclipse will be visible from southern Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt on August 2, 2027.
As Belgians prepare to witness this rare celestial spectacle, the message from experts is clear: enjoy the eclipse, but protect your eyes. The event may be fleeting, but the consequences of careless viewing can last a lifetime.