As Islanders scramble to get their hands on eclipse glasses ahead of Wednesday’s celestial spectacle, one Guernseyman found he already had a pair.
Guernésiais teacher and translator Yan Marquis been holding onto them since the last major eclipse visible from the Channel Islands – way back in the last century.
Mr Marquis said he “knew it was worth holding onto” the glasses after he bought them in 1999 for that year’s total eclipse – the last to be visible from the British Isles.
But while the glasses have survived nearly three decades, experts say that doesn’t necessarily mean they are safe to use.
“My first thought when I rediscovered them was, are they still safe to use?” he said.
He was right to be concerned, as experts warn that eclipse glasses more than 10 years old should not be used.
Always inspect the filter
The American Astronomical Society advised people to “always inspect” the solar filter in eclipse glasses before use to make sure it has not become scratched or damaged.
“If scratched, punctured, torn or otherwise damaged, discard it,” the organisation warned.
While Mr Marquis’ glasses have survived 27 years, experts say anyone planning to watch Wednesday’s eclipse should ensure they are using modern, undamaged viewing equipment.
