Solar eclipse sparks scramble for protective glasses across Europe

Europe is experiencing a scramble for protective solar eclipse glasses as a rare total solar eclipse approaches on Wednesday. Many shops have run out of stock, according to Punch. Finding certified protective glasses has become increasingly difficult, with many distribution points reporting they have run out, the Toronto Sun reports.

The eclipse, which will be visible in parts of Europe, including Iceland, Spain, Portugal, and Greenland, has also led to a surge in hotel prices in key cities. Reykjavík, the Icelandic capital, has seen one of the biggest jumps, with room prices doubling, the Guardian Business reports.

The European Space Agency (ESA) will broadcast the eclipse live from the Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre, allowing people to experience the phenomenon from anywhere in the world. The eclipse will occur on Wednesday, August 12, with the Moon passing directly between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on the Earth's surface, as reported by ESA Space Science and Guardian Science.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch, Toronto Sun, Guardian Business, ESA Space Science, Guardian Science — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.