Partial Solar Eclipse

At the eclipse’s peak, around 96% of the Sun will be hidden by the Moon, leaving only a slender crescent of sunlight in the evening sky. 

The next total solar eclipse visible from the UK will not take place until 2090.

The spectacle will unfold gradually over almost two hours:

6.19pm – Eclipse begins: The Moon will appear to take its first small ‘bite’ from the edge of the Sun.

7.16pm – Maximum eclipse: The Moon will cover almost all of the Sun, leaving a delicate crescent visible.

8.10pm – Eclipse ends: The Moon will move clear of the Sun once again.

As the eclipse deepens, you may notice the quality of the light begin to change, and the temperature fall slightly.

The eclipse takes place late in the day, with the Sun sitting low in the western sky. Treat it much like a sunset: choose an elevated spot with a wide, uninterrupted view towards the west.

Naturally, the spectacle will depend on clear skies – but should the weather be kind, it promises to be a very special Scilly evening.

Never look directly at the Sun without proper protection. There will be no point during the eclipse when it is safe to view with the naked eye.

Use certified eclipse glasses marked ISO 12312-2 throughout. Ordinary sunglasses are not suitable, however dark they may be.

Cameras, binoculars and telescopes must have purpose-made solar filters securely fitted to the front of their optics. Eclipse glasses should never be used to look through an optical device.

Alternatively, you can watch indirectly using a simple pinhole projector:

1. Make a small hole in one piece of card or paper.
2. Stand with the Sun behind you.
3. Allow the sunlight to pass through the hole and onto a second sheet.
4. The projected image will reveal the changing crescent of the Sun.

Remember: look only at the projected image, never through the pinhole towards the Sun.