It comes as a solar eclipse is set to be visible in the UK on Wednesday, August 12. Here's all you need to know about what a solar eclipse is and how it can be viewed safely. What is a solar eclipse? How to watch the solar eclipse safelyAnyone planning to watch an eclipse must never look directly at the Sun without certified eclipse glasses or suitable solar filters, even when most of the Sun is covered. Official advice from the government states: "Ordinary sunglasses - no matter how dark - do not provide adequate protection for viewing a solar eclipse.