There will be a partial eclipse in the UK in August (Image: Getty)
The UK is about to experience its “best solar eclipse” in almost 30 years, and you’ll need to be ready if you want to spot it.
A solar eclipse is a natural event where the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, blocking the sun’s light either totally or partially. They happen globally around two to five times each year, with total solar eclipses happening roughly every 18 months somewhere on the planet.
However, unless you travel the world trying to catch solar eclipses, the chances of you seeing one are very slim. That’s because total solar eclipses only happen in the exact same place on Earth once every 360 to 410 years – meaning you’ll be very lucky if you see one total eclipse, let alone more than one.
The UK last experienced a total eclipse almost 30 years ago, in August 1999. Back then, Cornwall and parts of Devon were the only places that could see totality, but the rest of the UK experienced a partial eclipse.
But if you missed the 1999 eclipse, your next best chance to see anything close to a total eclipse is coming up very soon.
The UK will see a deep partial solar eclipse on August 12 this year, where the moon is expected to cover 90% of the sun. While this won’t be a total eclipse, as the UK isn’t expected to see another one of those until 2090, it will be the “best” eclipse we’ve had in the past 27 years.
Information about the eclipse was shared on Instagram by Daisy Dobrijevic, the Skywatching Editor for Space.com, who told Brits exactly where they need to look if they want to catch the eclipse in all its glory.
How to spot the partial solar eclipse
Daisy explained that the eclipse will begin at around 6pm BST, and will reach maximum eclipse, where most of the sun will be covered, at around 7pm BST. It will then finish at around 8pm BST, although Daisy did note that exact timings will vary depending on where in the UK you are.
Because the eclipse happens in the evening, the sun will be setting by the time it hits – so you’ll want to make sure you’re able to see the sunset in the west from wherever you choose to view it.
The expert said: “Because it happens in the evening, the sun will be low to the west, so try to find somewhere with a clear view of the western horizon.”
Daisy also warned that in order to safely view a solar eclipse, you’ll need certified solar eclipse glasses. The sun can still damage your eyes even when it’s covered by the moon, so you should never look directly at an eclipse without proper eye protection.
She added: “Remember, you’ll need certified solar eclipse glasses for the entire eclipse. It’s never safe to look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. Hopefully, we’ll all get clear skies.”
The upcoming partial solar eclipse will be the most coverage seen from the UK and Ireland since the 1999 solar eclipse, which was total from most of Cornwall and Devon. If you happen to be holidaying in Greenland, Iceland, or northern Spain in early August, then you could even see a total eclipse, as these areas will experience totality.
According to Royal Museums Greenwhich, the partial eclipse will be enough for us to feel a change in the temperature, but won’t plunge us into darkness like a full eclipse would.
They state on their website: “At the maximum, enough of the Sun will be covered to make a noticeable difference in the temperature and light levels. However, unlike with a total eclipse, the sky will not become dark – it will feel more like a cloudy day or close to dusk or dawn.”
So get your glasses ready and make sure you head somewhere with a view of the western horizon on 12th August!