On Wednesday 12 August, Belgium will witness the greatest solar eclipse since 1999, according to the Urania Public Observatory. Shortly before sunset, the moon will cover approximately 90 per cent of the sun. A solar eclipse of the same magnitude will not be visible in our regions again until 2081.
The eclipse will begin at 7.18 pm CEST, when the moon first touches the sun. The coverage will then gradually increase as the sun sets. At 8.13 pm, the eclipse will reach its maximum. Seen from Brussels, approximately 90 per cent of the sun will be covered by the moon. The eclipse will end at 9.05 pm.
According to the Urania Public Observatory, interest in this natural phenomenon is growing. Director Marc Van den Broeck says that 80,000 people have already bought eclipse glasses.
How can you watch a solar eclipse safely?
To look at the sun, you always need special eclipse glasses. Never look directly at the sun or you could suffer permanent damage to your eyes.
Sunglasses aren’t strong enough either! Whilst they block direct sunlight, they still allow harmful infrared and UV radiation to pass through, which can also cause blindness.
The same applies to other ‘tricks’, such as using a CD or DVD. These also block sunlight but still allow harmful radiation to pass through. Welding goggles with a shade rating of 13 or higher are, however, suitable for viewing the solar eclipse.
