Rare total solar eclipse leaves Europe scrambling for safe glasses

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves in front of the Sun and blocks its light.

On 12 August, a very special total solar eclipse will happen, and in some places the sky will suddenly turn dark in the daytime.

The same day will also bring a six-planet parade, a new moon, and the Perseid meteor shower, which shoots streaks of light across the sky.

People need special certified eclipse glasses to look at the Sun safely.

But across Europe, places like pharmacies, opticians, and science centres have run out of these glasses.

Doctors warn that looking at the Sun without proper glasses can hurt the middle of your eye and the damage may never heal.

They say there is no known treatment, so the only way to stay safe is to prevent the injury.

Fake glasses without certification are dangerous, so doctors tell people not to use them.

If you cannot find glasses, you can watch the eclipse using a pinhole projector, which shows the eclipse's shadow on the ground.

The only time it is safe to look directly is during the few moments when the Sun is completely covered.