"Today [5 August] and in the coming days there will still be certified glasses [to view the eclipse]," Ivone Fachada, from the direction of Ciência Viva - National Agency for Scientific and Technological Culture, told Lusa, adding that "people can go to the website clubedavisão.pt, register individually and pick up their certified eclipse glasses anywhere in the country" and that the stock was reinforced on 3 August.

Importance of glasses

Ivone Fachada said that observing the eclipse without adequate safety glasses carries risks such as permanent retinal burns, distorted vision for some time, and even permanent vision loss.

"We can be looking at the sun, our retina is being burned, and we don't feel pain at the moment of observation," she added.

Those who cannot obtain free glasses to view the total solar eclipse, which begins around 6:30 pm and ends at 8:30 pm, can purchase them at pharmacies, some online stores, and supermarkets for around three euros, with Ivone Fachada highlighting the importance of verifying the certification of the glasses.

Identifying the right glasses

Certified glasses are identified with the ISO 12312-2 standard [certification for observing the Sun], the visible CE mark [indicates that a product meets the requirements established in the rules of the European Union (EU)] and Regulation (EU) 2016/425.

Ivone Fachada also advised against using cell phones or cameras to record the eclipse, noting that the devices may be damaged because they are not prepared or equipped for direct sunlight and do not have appropriate solar filters.