El Corte Inglés is selling Hawkers eclipse glasses online for €3.99, certified for direct solar observation. The offer comes as anticipation builds for the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, described as the most spectacular of its kind visible from Spain since 1912.
Unlike ordinary sunglasses, these Hawkers glasses are made for eclipse viewing and comply with the ISO 12312-2 standard for filters used in direct solar observation. Ordinary sunglasses, but dark, cannot replace certified eclipse eyewear. Makeshift filters, including smoked glass, photographic negatives and radiographs, are also unsuitable for looking directly at the Sun.
Why Certification Matters
ISO 12312-2 sets requirements for eyewear intended for direct solar observation. El Corte Inglés says the glasses are made in Spain, allowing the materials used to be traced and quality controlled. Safe viewing also depends on following the eclipse phases: protective glasses must stay on throughout every partial phase. Only observers within the path of totality may remove them while the Moon completely covers the Sun’s bright surface. They must put them back on as soon as any part of the Sun reappears.
Hawkers has also focused on comfort and usability. The glasses have foldable arms and an adjustable frame for a secure, ergonomic fit. Unlike disposable options, they are designed to last, with a stated useful life of up to 10 years from the date of manufacture.
Price and Availability
At €3.99, the Hawkers eclipse glasses are an affordable option. El Corte Inglés has included them in its special catalogue for the astronomical event, presenting Hawkers as a leading choice for safe solar viewing.
Preparing for the Eclipse
The eclipse will look different across Spain, so checking visibility information for a specific location is recommended. The Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN) visualization provides local start, maximum and end times, the percentage of solar obscuration and real-time weather information from AEMET. Its terrain-visibility layer uses a digital elevation model with 200-metre resolution to assess obstacles roughly 40 to 150 kilometres away, depending on the Sun’s altitude. The model does not account for buildings or trees, so the precise viewing point still matters. The IGN’s “IGN Eclipses” app also provides eclipse-planning information.
Practical steps include buying certified eclipse glasses, confirming they are suitable for direct solar observation and choosing where to watch. As with other safety-related topics, including the legalities of using inflatable pools on balconies covered in a previous analysis of Spanish building rules, the right equipment and information matter.
Final Details
For those planning to witness the August 12 eclipse, certified eyewear is impressive during the partial phases. The Hawkers glasses at El Corte Inglés offer a practical, affordable option, with safety and comfort features alongside Spanish manufacturing standards. Checking the IGN’s location-based timings and visibility information in advance can help viewers choose an observation point and prepare for the event.
