A rare astronomical phenomenon, not seen in Switzerland for 27 years, will happen tonight: The Moon will obscure a large part of the Sun.
Unless you plan to be around in 2075 – the next time this astronomical phenomenon will occur – enjoy the spectacle that unfolds tonight.
The eclipse will be visible from much of Switzerland shortly before sunset.
It will begin around 7:25 pm, initially visible in the Lake Constance region, and will end at 8:45 pm in Geneva.
The peak of the eclipse is expected around 8:20 pm.
Where in Switzerland can you get the best view?
Trees, houses, or hills can easily block the view; therefore, elevated locations with an open horizon are best.
According to the Swiss Astronomical Society: “The peaks of the Pre-Alps or the Swiss Plateau are excellent locations – though even there, one must ensure that no hill or other obstacle blocks the view to the west-northwest.”
Deep mountain valleys, on the other hand, are at a disadvantage because surrounding mountain ranges obscure the sun prematurely.
But before you look skyward, make sure to protect your eyes
According to the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), looking directly at the Sun, even if it is partially hidden, can damage the retina.
Therefore, you should wear protective glasses specifically designed for solar viewing.
FOPH’s advice:
- Protective glasses must be certified to ISO 12312-2:2015 and have the CE mark.
- The glasses must not be worn out or damaged.
- Avoid making your own glasses or using colored films or lenses, as these do not provide reliable eye protection.
- Do not wear ordinary sunglasses. They are not sufficient for observing a solar eclipse: they let in too much light and put your eyes at risk.
- Directly observing the sun through binoculars, telescopes, or cameras is also dangerous, as these instruments further concentrate the sun’s rays. It is essential to always install filters or protective films in front of the device’s lenses.
- Pay special attention to children to ensure they wear protective glasses during observation that are sized appropriately for them and fit their face properly, so they do not slip.
Good advice, but unfortunately special glasses are all sold out – as they are in many places in Europe.
Your only last-minute option (though the availability is not guaranteed either) are resale sites like Ricardo and Tutti.
If you are lucky to still find them, be prepared to pay a premium, with some models selling for over 200 francs.
And that’s not all: there will be even more magic in the sky tonight
The eclipse also coincides with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower – the dust-filled trails left in the wake of comets.
They become visible to us as Earth speeds through their path every year at this time on its way around the sun.
So, as soon as darkness falls, the first bright meteors will streak across the sky.
