Observatory Stops Online Eclipse Glasses Sales Amidst High Demand

Volkssterrenwacht Mira in Grimbergen has halted online sales of eclipse glasses as demand surges for the upcoming solar eclipse on August 12. The observatory is now directing customers to purchase the glasses in person.

Philippe Mollet of Mira Observatory noted a dramatic increase in orders, escalating from around 30 packages to send on Wednesday to over 50 by Friday. By Monday morning, the observatory found itself facing 350 pending orders, prompting the decision to cease online sales to manage the workload.

“

I thought: how are we going to be able to process all this?

To assist potential visitors, the website will feature an hourly counter indicating the remaining stock of eclipse glasses. Mollet advised that once the stock drops below 1,000, it is unlikely more glasses will be available.

“

As soon as it drops below 1,000, there's a good chance there will be no glasses left.

For those who cannot obtain specialized glasses, Mollet suggested a simple method using a colander to create a safe projection of the sun. By holding a colander up to the sun and observing the shadow it casts, one can see multiple projected images of the partially eclipsed sun through the colander's holes.

Belgium will experience approximately 90% solar coverage, the most significant partial eclipse since 1999. A total eclipse will be visible in northern Spain. Mira will also host an observation event for the Perseid meteor shower on August 12.

“

You hold the colander up to the sun and look at the shadow. Each hole projects a sun onto the ground.