Some online shoppers may have left it too late to order – but you can view partial eclipse indirectly without specs

A frantic rush is on across the UK to find the right kind of protective eyewear ahead of Wednesday’s partial solar eclipse.

High street stores are running out of eclipse glasses and online shoppers who track down a pair are being told they may not reach them until the end of the week. In other words, in plenty of time for the next comparable UK eclipse – in 2081 – but no good at all for Wednesday’s show.