Solar glasses for the March 2025 partial eclipse

Astronomy enthusiasts in the United Kingdom are in for a celestial treat this March as a partial solar eclipse graces the skies. This rare and awe-inspiring event offers a moment to connect with the cosmos and witness one of nature’s most mesmerising phenomena.

To make the experience accessible to as many people as possible, three remarkable organisations are joining forces to distribute solar viewing glasses across the country, ensuring safe and enjoyable viewing for everyone.

When and what to expect

On March 29, 2025, the Moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun, partially obscuring the Sun’s disk from view. Across the UK, skywatchers will see varying degrees of coverage, depending on their location, with between 30% and 40% of the Sun being covered.

The eclipse starts just after 10:00 GMT, when the Moon will begin to move in front of the Sun (first contact), and ends just after 12:00 GMT when the Moon leaves the Sun’s disk. Be prepared to step outside and look up for this magical moment!

While it won’t be a total eclipse, the partial coverage will still provide an extraordinary opportunity to observe the Sun’s interaction with the Moon and the intricate dance of the two celestial bodies in our solar system.

Making the eclipse accessible: a collaborative effort

The upcoming eclipse is not only a chance to marvel at the wonders of the universe but also an opportunity to foster community and learning. Thanks to the efforts of Astronomers Without Borders, First Light Optics, and Go Stargazing, 75,000 pairs of solar glasses will be made available across the UK to ensure people can safely observe this event.

Astronomers Without Borders is a global charity dedicated to uniting people through a shared passion for astronomy. Their initiatives emphasise inclusivity, bringing the wonders of the Universe to people in every corner of the globe.

First Light Optics (FLO) is a trusted retailer for astronomy equipment in the UK. At their expense, FLO have imported the solar glasses from the USA and will distribute them nationwide from their base in Exeter, ensuring that communities from the Highlands to the South Coast can safely enjoy the spectacle.

Go Stargazing, an non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting public interest in astronomy through practical stargazing, is coordinating this effort (without fee) with the aim to inspire as many people as possible to look up and be captivated by this celestial event.

Supporting astronomy in poorer countries

All proceeds will be donated to Astronomers Without Borders and will help fund their distribution of solar glasses to underserved communities in poorer countries, allowing even more people around the world to safely enjoy the wonders of the eclipse and fostering a global connection through astronomy.

Get your glasses

Solar glasses are available to charities, community organisations and groups planning to host events (both official and informal) for observing the eclipse and are not for onward sale. Glasses are available in a minimum batch size of 50 pairs, maximum 200 pairs per order. We are sorry we can only deliver to addresses in the United Kingdom. You can also get smaller denominations of glasses from First Light Optics.