Special glasses needed to watch partial solar eclipse

ERR reported that people in Estonia may be able to watch a partial solar eclipse on Wednesday evening, weather permitting, but should protect their eyes with special glasses and choose a location without trees or buildings blocking the view.

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, covering part of the solar disc. At the eclipse’s peak on Wednesday, more than 80 percent of the Sun will be hidden from view in Estonia.

The eclipse will begin in Estonia at 8:02 p.m. and continue until sunset, said Siim Mumme, a member of the Tallinn Observatory Society.

“Looking at the weather, there is no guarantee at all that we will be able to see it in Estonia. If there is thick cloud cover, nothing will be visible,” Mumme said.

For the best view, observers should choose an open location where the Sun can be seen, such as a rooftop or the seaside if the Sun is setting in that direction.

The eclipse can be viewed safely with special solar eclipse glasses, a solar filter, or a telescope or binoculars equipped with a filter.

Rene Mitt, a board member of FOTOakadeemia, said older methods such as looking through smoked glass or a CD are no longer considered safe. Modern eclipse glasses carry ISO certification to protect the retina, he said.

“When I put these on, I cannot see anything here. It is like complete darkness. When I look at the Sun through them, I can see only the Sun and nothing else,” Mitt said.

Interest in eclipse glasses has been high in Estonia. More than 200 pairs have been sold, with the stock selling out in about a day and a half, Mitt said.

A total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and Iceland.