Swedes can see rare solar eclipse on August 12

Sweden will have a clear view of a solar eclipse on August 12, if weather conditions allow, SVT reports. The Moon will move in front of the Sun, briefly covering it completely.

Astrophysicist Linn Boldt-Christmas said Europe has not experienced such a clear solar eclipse since 1999.

The Sun appears almost the same size as the Moon because it is about 400 times larger but also about 400 times farther from Earth, Boldt-Christmas explained. She said this apparent similarity is essentially a coincidence.

Do not look directly at the Sun

Clear skies are the most important condition for seeing the eclipse. It is also essential not to look directly at the Sun, as this can damage the eyes.

Instead, viewers can observe sunlight indirectly. Boldt-Christmas recommends using a sieve and looking at the light cast through its small holes, rather than looking through the holes themselves. Special eclipse glasses, which are much stronger than ordinary sunglasses, can also be ordered.

Solar eclipses occur between one and five times a year in different parts of the world, but they are not often visible from the same location.

If the weather is favourable, the annual Perseid meteor shower will also be visible on the same evening. The shower appears as hundreds of shooting stars.