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Overview
- The eclipse will occur Wednesday evening and will be partial across France, with obscuration varying roughly from 90% in northern towns to about 99% in the southwest.
- Authorities and the Association française d'astronomie require ISO 12312-2:2015/CE‑marked eclipse glasses for direct viewing because ultraviolet and visible sunlight can burn the retina without pain.
- Major retailers, pharmacies and opticians report widespread stock shortages of certified eclipse glasses, leaving many people unable to buy approved protection before the event.
- Experts and vendors warn that ordinary sunglasses, DIY filters or wearing eclipse glasses over cameras or binoculars are unsafe and that dedicated solar filters are required to protect eyes and camera sensors.
- The shortage has provoked political criticism recalling the 1999 mass distribution of free approved glasses, and organizers are running live broadcasts and supervised viewing sites to provide safer access for those without equipment.