Icelandic government website removes incorrect solar eclipse glasses instructions

The Icelandic government's website, island.is, has removed a portion of its safety guidelines concerning solar eclipse glasses after they were found to be incorrect. The misinformation was initially reported by mbl.is, citing Sævar Helgi Bragason, who confirmed the instructions were wrong.

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When you are going to watch the total eclipse, you put the glasses on first, look at the sun for a few seconds, and then look away. This process can be repeated, but always take breaks in between.

The deleted section had advised users to look away from the sun periodically while wearing the glasses during a total eclipse. However, Bragason explained that it is safe to view the sun directly during the totality phase of a solar eclipse, comparing its brightness to that of a full moon. He also noted that viewing a partial eclipse with certified glasses does not require taking breaks.

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During the total eclipse, it is safe to look at the sun. You will see the sun's corona around the sun, and it is not dangerous. It is only dimmer than a full moon, and I am not aware of anyone being advised not to look at a full moon.

The website has not indicated that the instructions were removed. The origin of the incorrect information is still unknown, as a representative from the Directorate of Health stated the guidelines did not originate from their office. Bragason, an active social media user and creator of solmyrkvi2026.is, has been providing accurate information on solar eclipse glasses and viewing procedures.

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With a partial eclipse, it is also safe to look at the sun with recognized glasses, without taking any breaks. During a partial eclipse, you wear the glasses and only the glasses; in between, you do not wear glasses on your head because during a total eclipse, you can look at the total eclipse without glasses the entire time without taking any breaks in between.