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Spain Short on ISO-Certified Eclipse Glasses Ahead of August 12

8/11/2026

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Summary

Spain Glasses Shortage

Spain faces a severe shortage of ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses as the Aug 12 total eclipse approaches.
Madrid pharmacies sell glasses for €3-€4 while many shops, including a Barcelona optician, have been empty for 10 days.
In Paris, 200 pairs vanished in a week and 500 more were promised later.
Experts warn only ISO 12312-2 glasses prevent eye damage, citing 70 retinal-injury cases after the 1999 eclipse.

Summary

Des Jardins Launches

Dr. Angela Des Jardins leads NASA-funded teams launching over 60 high-altitude balloons from Spain and Iceland to record atmospheric cooling during totality.
ESA will use two space telescopes to image the eclipse’s corona.
The August 2 2027 eclipse will last up to 6 minutes 23 seconds across southern Spain, North Africa and the Middle East, roughly three times longer than the 2026 eclipse.

History

Historical Context

The August 11 1999 total solar eclipse—Europe’s first since July 1990 and the UK’s first since 1927—drawn millions into the path of totality, led to dozens of eye injuries after many lacked ISO 12312-2 glasses. The European Commission responded with two million safety glasses, prompting EU safety directives that now guide preparations for the August 2 2027 eclipse.

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Spain Glasses Shortage

Spain faces a severe shortage of ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses as the Aug 12 total eclipse approaches.
Madrid pharmacies sell glasses for €3-€4 while many shops, including a Barcelona optician, have been empty for 10 days.
In Paris, 200 pairs vanished in a week and 500 more were promised later.
Experts warn only ISO 12312-2 glasses prevent eye damage, citing 70 retinal-injury cases after the 1999 eclipse.

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