Millions of solar eclipse glasses could end up in landfill: Here’s what to do instead
Be a responsible consumer by following expert advice on what to do with your glasses now the eclipse is over.
A spectacular solar eclipse swept across Britain and Europe, captivating millions of viewers as the Moon blocked the Sun's light. The event, the most dramatic for the UK since 1999, peaked in the late evening, with over 90% of the Sun obscured in much of the country. Cornwall enjoyed near-perfect conditions, with up to 95% coverage.
Scotland experienced a less impressive partial eclipse, while Iceland and Spain witnessed total eclipses. The alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth created a stunning celestial display, with the Moon's shadow casting a brief moment of darkness.
Skywatchers gathered at viewing sites and landmarks, their cheers and gasps echoing as the eclipse unfolded. Solar eclipse glasses sold out quickly, but many relied on pinhole projection methods like colanders and cereal boxes. The event reminded viewers of the Moon's perfect size and distance from Earth, making it appear as large as the Sun. This alignment allows the Moon to completely cover the Sun during totality.
Astronomers anticipate a "golden age" of total solar eclipses between 2026 and 2028, but Britain will miss out on seeing a total eclipse. The next partial eclipse won't occur until 2027, and the next total will not be visible from the UK until 2090.
Written by urgent.news from The Vibes's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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