Britain Scrambles for Solar Eclipse Glasses Ahead of Historic Celestial Event
Queues stretch for hundreds of metres as demand outstrips supply for ISO-certified protective eyewear across the UK.
Sarah Connor
Massive queues have formed across Britain as people scramble to secure solar eclipse glasses before tonight's historic celestial event.
The scene outside the 24-hour Am2Pm shop on Whitechapel High Street in east London was extraordinary. A queue stretched hundreds of metres through surrounding streets.
The shopkeeper passed handwritten notes down the length of the queue. These notes informed customers that a limit of five pairs applied per person.
The notes indicated 10,000 more glasses were en route, with a further 5,000 expected at 11pm. Hold-ups at Heathrow delayed the shipment; each pair was priced at £9.99.
Videos shared on social media show shoppers waiting for hours to purchase the glasses.
In Exeter, a warehouse on Budlake Road in Marsh Barton reportedly drew such crowds on Tuesday afternoon that the rush caused traffic congestion in the surrounding area.
Many businesses in the area had ordered glasses that ultimately failed to arrive in time.
Customers reportedly travelled from as far away as London to secure a pair in Exeter. Members of the public also queued at Old Spitalfields Market in east London and Plassey Retail Park near Wrexham.
Peter Friend claimed many businesses in the area had ordered glasses that ultimately failed to arrive in time.
The UK Health Security Agency advised that safe glasses must carry the ISO 12312-2 international certification. Lenses should be free from scratches or damage.
The Moon is set to cover around 90 to 92 per cent of the Sun. Plymouth forecasts 94.66 per cent coverage at 7.16pm, according to the Met Office.
As an additional treat for stargazers, the annual Perseid meteor shower peaks overnight, just hours after the eclipse. Earth passing through debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle causes this phenomenon.
Symptoms of eye damage from unprotected solar viewing can include blurred vision, blind spots, and reduced colour perception.