These are not the latest fashion shades, but essential wear for anyone keen to watch a blinding spectacle - the solar eclipse on Wednesday August 11.

They are modelled here by Southend Planetarium lecturer Mike Culley, who told of the dangers of staring at the sun.

He said: "We want to make sure that everyone who looks at the eclipse does it safely.

"To stare straight at the sun means instant blindness, the eyes just can't take it. These glasses are not like normal sunglasses. They reflect 99.99 per cent of the rays.

"To look at the sun straight through a telescope to watch the eclipse would also do a lot of damage to the eyes.

"It is going to be quite spectacular on the day because from here we will see a 96 per cent eclipse of the sun.

"The sun should go quite noticeably dim."

Mike is staging a series of talks at Southend Planetarium at 3.30pm on Saturdays July 3, 17, 24 and August 7, with a small admission charge.

He will explain about the eclipse and describe how people can watch it safely.

The eclipse happens when the moon moves between the sun and the earth.

This eclipse is expected to take place at 11.15am on Wednesday August 11.

Anyone interested in the special glasses can buy them for £1.50 per pair at Southend Museum Shop in Victoria Avenue, Southend.

Contact the Planetarium on 01702 434449 for more details.

Correct specs - Mike Culley shows the safe gear for looking at the sun

Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

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