Solar eclipse viewing - safe, smart and by the right means

A view solar eclipse is one of the most impressive nature experiences you can have. Yet it often goes wrong: people grab sunglasses or watch without protection, resulting in permanent eye damage. In this blog, we explain how to safely view an eclipse, what types exist, when the next ones can be seen in the Netherlands and Europe, and why a solar eclipse telescope with special filter completes your experience.

When is the next solar eclipse in the Netherlands and Europe?

The next chance to see a solar eclipse in the Netherlands is on Aug. 12, 2026. Here it is a partial eclipse - So the moon only partially slides in front of the sun.

For those who have a total eclipse wants to experience, travel is necessary. On the same day, the solar eclipse is totally visible in Northwest Spain (Galicia), Portugal, Greenland and Iceland. The band of totality is narrow - only 100-200 km wide - so only spectators in that region see the sun disappear completely.

Other dates to put in your calendar:

• Aug. 2, 2027 - total solar eclipse, especially well visible around the Mediterranean.
• Jan. 26, 2028 - annular (annular) eclipse in parts of southwestern Europe.

Sources: NASA - Types of Solar Eclipses

What types of solar eclipses are there?

According to NASA, there are four types of eclipses:

• Total eclipse - the moon completely covers the sun. It becomes dark, stars become visible and the solar corona appears. Only during this brief moment may you see without glasses.
• Annular (annular) eclipse - the moon appears smaller than the sun, leaving a ring of light visible. Always need glasses or filter.
• Partial eclipse - only part of the sun is covered. In the Netherlands, this is the most common. Always need glasses or filter.
• Hybrid eclipse - rare: depending on your location, the same eclipse is total or annular.

Why sunglasses are not enough

Many people think that sunglasses are enough. This is a big misunderstanding:

• Sunglasses block at most 90% of the light.
• The sun during an eclipse is still thousands of times too bright.
• UV and infrared rays simply pass through your sunglasses and can cause permanent eye damage.

Only a solar eclipse glasses with ISO 12312-2 certification blocks 99.999% of sunlight and enables safe viewing.

Viewing a solar eclipse with glasses AND a telescope

A solar eclipse glasses is always step one. Without such glasses (ISO 12312-2 certified) it is simply unsafe to observe the sun. Even a telescope with a filter always point with glasses on, so you never accidentally look up without protection.

Do you have glasses? Then a telescope can take your experience to the next level. You see:

• Sunspots that appear on the surface.
• The exact moment On which the moon “nibbles” the sun.
• During totality: the brilliant corona and solar flares.

Important: Use a special solar filter before opening the telescope. Never afterwards at the eyepiece, as the concentrated sunlight can crack lenses and damage your eyes.

A solar eclipse telescope need not be a luxury instrument:

• A 70-90 mm refractor with filter is ideal for beginners.
• A Dobson of 130-150 mm gives you more detail and can be used at night for deep-sky objects.
• Smart telescopes such as the Seestar S30 can even take pictures automatically with solar filter.

How do you make the most of your budget?

An eclipse does not happen every year in the Netherlands. Still, it pays to invest smartly now:

• Choose a removable filter - This way you use your telescope also for moon, planets and deep-sky.
• Bundles are more economical - telescope + filter + glasses for multiple spectators will save you money.
• Accessories that count - a 25% filter makes the image calmer, a smartphone holder lets you take photos safely.
• Think ahead - a slightly larger model, such as a 150 mm Dobson, will last for years and give you more than just an eclipse.

Second-hand or new?

A telescope can be bought second-hand just fine, but filters and glasses absolutely not. Even a small scratch or hole in the material can be disastrous. Therefore, always buy new filters and glasses from a reliable supplier.

Practical tips for the next eclipse

• Order your glasses or filter well in advance - right before an eclipse, they are often sold out.
• Practice with your telescope a week in advance so you don't have to figure anything out during the eclipse.
• Bring extra glasses for family and friends.
• Travel to the right location if you want to experience the total eclipse in Spain or Portugal - outside the narrow strip you will see only a partial eclipse.

Closing

A view solar eclipse is magical - whether you do it with the naked eye, glasses or a telescope. But safety comes first: sunglasses are not an option. With the right glasses and a telescope with a solar filter, you will experience this phenomenon safely and in detail.

Want to experience the next eclipse well prepared? Check out our product range solar eclipse glasses, filters and telescopes and make August 12, 2026 a day you will never forget.