Berlin, August 12, 2026 – The demand for special protective glasses ahead of the partial solar eclipse in Germany is exceptionally high, with many retailers reporting shortages or complete sell-outs. Christopher Förster, who operates the telescope business Space Instruments in Berlin-Lichtenrade, described the situation as “absolute madness.”
Hundreds of Glasses Sold in Hours
Förster reported selling hundreds of glasses last week, with an additional 300 units being snapped up within just one hour yesterday. “We are already cleared out,” he stated. Faced with the overwhelming demand, Förster offered customers a special solar filter foil, typically used for telescopes. He explained that this certified foil was cut into sections, allowing customers to craft their own protective glasses.
Safety Warnings from Experts
Experts are issuing urgent warnings against looking directly at the sun without proper protective eyewear, as this can lead to permanent retinal damage. The Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) specifically cautioned against using makeshift alternatives such as black film strips, glasses blackened with candle soot, folded emergency blankets, sunglasses, welding goggles, glacier glasses, X-ray images, or CDs.
The Partial Solar Eclipse in Berlin
While the sun will be completely obscured in parts of Spain, Germany will experience only a partial eclipse. In Berlin, the partial solar eclipse will be visible from 7:15 PM. The moon is expected to cover approximately 85 percent of the sun by 8:08 PM, marking the maximum obscuration visible in the region. The celestial event will conclude around 8:37 PM.
Förster emphasized the spectacular nature of the phenomenon, but reiterated, “Nothing works without protection.” Many customers outside his Berlin store shared stories of their extensive search for solar eclipse glasses, with some resorting to crafting their own protection using cardboard and the specialized filter foil. Förster noted that despite his efforts, he still had to turn away dozens of interested individuals.
Advice for Those Without Glasses: Share the View
For those unable to acquire protective glasses, Förster suggests an alternative: sharing. He advises people to gather with those who possess glasses and take turns observing the partial solar eclipse. He highlighted that there will be ample time for “glasses-sharing” during the event.
This event marks a significant moment for astronomy enthusiasts and the general public, underscoring the importance of safety when observing such rare celestial occurrences.
