A space expert has issued a warning for those using solar eclipse glasses as the UK marks the biggest event since 199908:07, 12 Aug 2026Updated 08:08, 12 Aug 2026An expert has issued a warning for those using solar eclipse glasses to look at the momentous 'cosmic coincidence' today.‌The biggest solar eclipse visible from the UK since 1999 will take place this evening from around 6pm where the mooon will block out the sun, despite being 400 times smaller.‌As millions of Europeans prepare to watch the celestial treat, experts have issued a warning into the dangers of so-called 'solar eclipse glasses' that thousands have purchased in the hopes of getting a better - and safer - look.‌Speaking to Laura Tobin on Good Morning Britain, education manager Ed from the National Space Centre in LeicesterHe said: "If you've got some from a previous eclipse, discard those, they're probably not the correct specification," he insisted.Ed also said the new scratch-resistant black polymer spectacles are the only way to watch the event safely.‌"People are not actually managing to get them unfortunately so make sure you've got yours," he added, warning of cheap imitations.The glasses have been selling out everywhere as fans scramble for the protective eyewear. It is important never to look directly at the Sun as even brief exposure can cause lasting damage.‌Ed also discussed whether it was safe to watch the through a smartphone, with tips going viral online."It's not something that we recommend if you're using it as a reflection of the solar eclipse, you are going to damage your eyes. If you're just using your phone whilst looking away in selfie mode you might damage your camera on your phone," he said.‌"There's much more safer ways to view the eclipse such as with the solar eclipse glasses."The biggest solar eclipse visible from the UK since 1999 will take place this evening from around 6pm, with the Isles of Scilly getting the most coverage - more than 96 per cent. The rest of the country will see more than 90 per cent of the Sun obscured, as the Moon will come in between it and the Earth.The eclipse will start around 6pm and reach peak obstruction about an hour later, with the event ending just after 8pm in most places. People have been warned not to use sunglasses to look at the eclipse as they are not dark enough to block harmful solar radiation.‌Anyone planning to use eclipse glasses should make sure they are genuine and comply with the international safety standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E). The certification code should be printed somewhere on the glasses.For those without eclipse glasses, it is recommended to make a pinhole viewer or use a colander. The UKHSA recommends making a pinhole viewer at home. You can use it to project an image of the Sun onto a sheet of paper. To make one, you’ll need a long cardboard box (such as a cereal box), white paper, aluminium foil, tape, scissors and a push pin.You can also project the Sun's image through a colander or the gaps between tree leaves or watch the eclipse online. The European Space Agency is hosting a live webcast from Spain's Astrophysical Observatory of Javalambre.Article continues belowLike this s tory? F or more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .