The Government and the Grupo Social ONCE have launched the free distribution of two million safe and certified glasses to observe the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026.
The campaign aims to prevent eye damage during one of the most anticipated astronomical phenomena in recent years in Spain. The eclipse will be total in a wide strip of the country and partial in the rest, but the safety recommendation is the same in all cases: do not look directly at the Sun without certified protection.
Where to get the free glasses
The main way to obtain the free glasses is through ONCE. Its selling agents distribute them at usual sales points, both at kiosks and in other places where the organization's sellers are usually found.
The distribution has intensified especially since the week of August 3, in the days leading up to the eclipse. Availability will depend on the units remaining at each point, so it is advisable to go as soon as possible and not wait until the same day, the 12th.
There will also be distribution at scientific entities
In addition to the distribution by ONCE, the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities is participating in the campaign through the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology, FECYT.
These glasses are distributed among research centers, science museums, and other public entities related to science, innovation, and universities. The idea is that the points of scientific dissemination also help facilitate safe observation of the eclipse.
Madrid distributes glasses in municipal spaces
In the city of Madrid, the City Council has planned the distribution of free glasses in several municipal spaces. Among the announced points are the Planetarium of Madrid, the History Museum of Madrid, the San Isidro Museum, the Municipal Printing House-Arts of the Book, the Conde Duque Contemporary Culture Center and the network of municipal libraries.
The distribution began on July 17 and will continue until August 12, always subject to the availability of units. The Community of Madrid has also announced the distribution of certified glasses at its eclipse observation points.
How to know if glasses are safe
Glasses for viewing the eclipse must be specific solar observation glasses. It is not enough for them to be dark or to appear very opaque. To be considered safe, they must comply with the ISO 12312-2 standard, the international standard for filters intended for direct observation of the Sun.
They must also have CE marking and be in good condition. Before using them, it is necessary to check that the filter is not scratched, perforated, bent, detached, or damaged. If there is any visible damage, the most prudent thing is not to use them.
What is not suitable for viewing the eclipse
Normal sunglasses are not suitable for looking at an eclipse, even if they are of good quality or have very dark lenses. X-rays, tinted glasses, photographic negatives, CDs, homemade filters, and makeshift remedies are also not suitable.
The reason is simple: the danger is not only in the visible light. Solar radiation can damage the retina even if the person does not feel pain at the moment. Therefore, observing the Sun without proper filters can cause serious and even irreversible injuries.
Be careful with binoculars, telescopes, and cameras
Eclipse glasses are designed to look at the Sun directly with the eyes, not to be used as protection when looking through optical instruments.
The eclipse should not be viewed with binoculars, telescopes or cameras using only eclipse glasses, because these devices concentrate light and can multiply the risk of injury. Specific solar filters placed in front of the lens are needed for those devices, not between the eye and the device.
Can you look at the eclipse with a mobile phone?
Looking at the mobile phone screen does not pose the same risk to the eyes as looking directly at the Sun, but the phone's camera can be damaged if pointed at the Sun without proper protection.
Experts recommend not taking improvised photos without a certified solar filter. Additionally, many images taken with mobile phones will show only a bright spot, so it may be wiser to enjoy the phenomenon live and then refer to professional images.
When to use the glasses
The glasses should be used throughout the entire partial phase of the eclipse, both before and after the moment of totality. Only in places where the eclipse is total can the protection be removed during the brief seconds or minutes of complete totality, when the Sun is completely covered by the Moon.
As soon as any bright edge of the Sun reappears, the glasses must be put back on. In areas where the eclipse is partial, protection should be maintained whenever looking at the Sun.
What to do if you can't get glasses
If homologated glasses are not obtained, the safe option is not to look directly at the Sun. The eclipse can be followed through official broadcasts, activities organized by planetariums, universities, town halls, or astronomical associations, or through properly prepared indirect observation methods.
The priority must be eye safety. An eclipse lasts a few minutes, but a retinal injury can have permanent consequences.
The recommendation before August 12
Those who want to see the eclipse must prepare the glasses in advance, check that they are homologated, and review their condition before using them. It is also advisable to consult the official observation points, as many will be organized with activities, support staff, and safety recommendations.
August 12 will be an exceptional day for astronomy in Spain. But the basic rule does not change: to look at the Sun, even during an eclipse, only specific, certified, and in good condition glasses are valid.