Londoners are in for a celestial treat as a significant partial solar eclipse takes place in skies tomorrow (Wednesday, August 12). The Royal Greenwich Observatory said the UK will experience the starkest solar eclipse since 1999, with between 90 and 96 per cent of the Sun covered by the Moon.
Exact timing for London viewers
The eclipse will begin at 6.17pm when the Moon first covers part of the Sun. For viewers in London, the eclipse will reach its maximum at 7.12pm with roughly 90 per cent coverage, creating a noticeable difference in light levels and temperatures. The event will end at 8.06pm, almost two hours after it began.
This will be the UK's most significant solar eclipse since 1999, according to the Royal Greenwich Observatory. The percentage of Sun coverage will vary across the country, with some areas seeing up to 96 per cent obscuration.
Safety warnings from health experts
Viewing the eclipse safely is crucial as health experts warn of potential retinal damage. During the 1999 solar eclipse, some 70 people reported vision problems, with 40 per cent having looked at the Sun for less than a minute, according to the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.
Specialist eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers are recommended for safe viewing. Other options include pinhole viewers, viewing through a colander, or projecting the Sun's image onto paper. These methods allow observers to enjoy the event without risking eye damage.
Upcoming lunar eclipse
A partial lunar eclipse will follow on Friday, August 28, beginning at 3.33am and peaking at 5.12am when the Moon will turn dark red. This event will be visible from the UK and offers another opportunity for skywatchers to witness a celestial phenomenon.
The lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow that partially covers the Moon. Unlike a solar eclipse, it is safe to view with the naked eye.
