Hungary to see partial solar eclipse next Wednesday

Hungary will have the opportunity to witness a partial solar eclipse next Wednesday, August 12, 2026, with the celestial event occurring around sunset. To safely observe this rare phenomenon, clear skies and a suitable vantage point are essential.

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Never look at the eclipsing Sun with the naked eye without appropriate protective equipment!

Crucially, direct viewing of the Sun without adequate protection can cause severe, permanent eye damage, including blindness. The article strongly advises against using makeshift filters like smoked glass or overexposed film. Certified solar filters, specifically those designed for astronomical telescopes and available from specialized shops, are recommended. A shade 14 welder's glass also offers adequate protection.

Astronomers emphasize that using optical instruments like binoculars or telescopes without proper solar filters is extremely dangerous. These devices concentrate sunlight, and even a fraction of a second of unfiltered viewing can irreparably damage the retina. Purchasing filters from reputable astronomical equipment suppliers is advised over uncertain online sources.

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The arc welding glass of strength 14 is adequate protection, its use is safe.

This partial solar eclipse is the third such astronomical event globally in 2026. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon positions itself between the Earth and the Sun, partially or fully obscuring the Sun from view. This alignment can only happen during a new moon phase. The reason eclipses are not a monthly occurrence is that the Moon's orbital plane is slightly tilted relative to Earth's orbital plane around the Sun.

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Due to the fact that these optical instruments collect and focus light, if the binoculars or telescope are turned towards the Sun without a protective filter, the extremely focused light will burn out the retina in a fraction of a second and cause irreparable blindness.