Shoppers across the UK are scrambling to find eclipse glasses ahead of Wednesday's partial solar eclipse, with high street shops and online retailers running short of stock. Many who order now are told delivery will not arrive until later in the week, too late for the event itself, and the Royal Observatory Greenwich has confirmed it has sold out both online and in-store due to unprecedented demand. Ordinary sunglasses are not a safe substitute, and experts say the shortage stems largely from people leaving their preparations too late rather than a genuine supply problem.

One importer, Neill Sanders of Go Stargazing, brought in 300,000 pairs from the US and distributed 100,000 at discounted prices to astronomy clubs, but says it is now too late to get the rest out in time. Frustrated buyers, such as one Kent resident who was turned away by a local optician, have resorted to borrowing or sharing spare glasses. For those without proper eyewear, astronomers recommend indirect viewing methods, such as projecting the eclipse's shadow through a colander or pinhole in paper, while health bodies including the Royal College of Ophthalmologists have reissued safety guidance, noting that around 70 people suffered eye problems after watching the 1999 total eclipse.