Overview
- The partial eclipse will be visible across the Netherlands on Wednesday evening, running roughly from 19:00 to 21:03 and peaking around 20:10–20:11 with about 88–90% of the sun covered.
- Local astronomy groups point to wide-horizon sites in the province of Utrecht—such as the Vinkeveense and Loosdrechtse Plassen, Lek dikes and lookout towers—as the best places to watch, and two guided Domtoren tours for 80 people sold out.
- Ophthalmologists warn that looking at the partially covered sun without certified protection can cause painless, permanent central retinal damage because the retina has no pain receptors.
- Many certified eclipse glasses have already sold out in stores, experts say common sunglasses, laser goggles or phone-camera viewing are unsafe, and they urge people to use certified filters, indirect projection methods, or follow TV and online coverage instead.
- Totality is only visible from parts of Spain and Iceland, and doctors say the likely shortage of safe eyewear could raise short-term demand for eye clinics if people view the sun without proper protection.