Lunt Solar Systems says nearly 2 million eclipse glasses remain on Amazon ahead of Spain’s total solar eclipse

With Spain’s Aug. 12 total solar eclipse one week away, Lunt Solar Systems says nearly 2 million certified eclipse glasses are still in stock at Amazon fulfillment centers in Spain and France. The company is pointing to supply shortages, rising prices and safety risks as demand spikes across Europe.

Why it matters: - Spain is days away from its first total solar eclipse visible from mainland Europe since 1999. - Certified eclipse glasses are the key safety product for viewers outside the exact totality path. - Shortages can push late buyers into higher prices or unsafe viewing choices.

What happened: - Lunt Solar Systems said nearly 2 million certified eclipse glasses remain available in Amazon logistics centers in Spain and France. - The glasses are available with Prime next-day delivery in most of Spain. - The eclipse is set for Aug. 12. - The totality path crosses northern Spain, including Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country, Navarra and Aragón. - Madrid will see 99.9% coverage, and Barcelona 99.8% coverage.

The details: - Lunt said eclipse glasses must be worn for the entire event unless the viewer is inside the exact totality path. - In Madrid and Barcelona, the eclipse will be nearly total but not total, so glasses should not be removed at any point. - The glasses carry CE marking under EN ISO 12312-2. - The glasses are certified as Category II PPE under EU Regulation 2016/425. - Lunt said the products underwent EU type examination by an authorized notified body. - The American Astronomical Society lists Lunt among approved suppliers. - Lunt said it sold about 6 million eclipse glasses for the 2024 North American total solar eclipse. - Lunt said those glasses were among Amazon’s top sellers worldwide and had no safety incidents. - The glasses are sold in packs of five on Amazon.es.

Between the lines: - The company is trying to position inventory and certification as the safest, easiest option while local retail shelves empty out. - Pricing pressure is already building as the eclipse nears. - Lunt said U.S. eclipse sales in 2017 and 2024 showed a familiar pattern: certified stock sells out first, then prices rise quickly. - In 2024, the average Amazon price for certified eclipse glasses rose about 25% or more in the final week, according to the company. - Lunt said physical-store prices in Spain have more than doubled in a week where stock remains. - The message is simple: buying early is cheaper and less risky than waiting.

What's next: - Demand is likely to keep tightening as Aug. 12 approaches. - Remaining certified stock could move quickly as shoppers and resellers compete for supply. - Buyers outside the totality path will need certified glasses for the full eclipse window. - Lunt Solar Systems, based in Tucson, Arizona, said it has been a leader in solar telescopes and solar-observation equipment for more than 25 years. - The company says its products are used by observatories, universities and astronomers worldwide.