The United Kingdom is set to witness the most significant solar eclipse of this century on Wednesday, visible from every corner of the country. But when exactly should you look up to catch this spectacular celestial event in your local area?
Our interactive postcode search tool allows you to pinpoint the exact time when the moon will begin to pass across the sun from your garden, as well as the moment when the eclipse reaches its maximum coverage in your location.
Across the UK, the moon will obscure more than 90 per cent of the sun, peaking at around 7pm. The moon’s shadow will travel swiftly across the British Isles, moving from northern Scotland to Land’s End in Cornwall in just 15 minutes-covering nearly 2,500 miles per hour.
READ MORE: Oncologist highlights when night sweats signal more than just warm weather
READ MORE: Common Misunderstanding Among Drivers About Dual Carriageways Explained
By entering your postcode into our tool, you can ensure you are looking skyward at precisely the right moment.
While total eclipse is not visible in the UK-unlike certain parts of Spain-experts warn that staring directly at the sun remains dangerous even when more than 90 per cent is obscured.
Safe viewing methods include using solar eclipse glasses or specialist telescopes. Alternatively, you can safely observe the eclipse by projecting its image using a pinhole or everyday household items like a colander.
This Wednesday’s eclipse is the finest the UK has seen in 54 years, creating considerable excitement nationwide. Demand for eclipse glasses has been so high that many high street stores and online retailers have sold out.
The latest Met Office forecast predicts mostly clear skies across England and Wales on Wednesday evening, with day temperatures rising above 30°C in many areas. However, Scotland and Northern Ireland, along with parts of the North East of England and Cumbria, may experience cloud cover. Depending on its thickness, the eclipse could still be visible in these regions.
Prime viewing spots include the far south-western corners of Devon and Cornwall, where up to 96 per cent of the sun will be eclipsed.
Elsewhere, regions including much of Wales, Northern Ireland, parts of the West Midlands, the South West, and western Scotland can expect between 92 and 94 per cent coverage.
For example, Cardiff will see 93.24 per cent of the sun obscured at 7.13pm, while in Belfast the peak eclipse coverage will be 93.09 per cent at 7.08pm.
Eastern areas such as Norfolk, Yorkshire, and Aberdeenshire will experience slightly less coverage, though still over 90 per cent.
Experts from the Royal Greenwich Observatory stress that ordinary sunglasses do not offer adequate protection. Imo Bell, a planetarium astronomer, advises using proper solar eclipse glasses, which safely block out harmful light to prevent eye damage. She recommends attending local astronomy society events or using projection methods if specialised equipment isn’t available.
Ms Bell explains: “You can use solar eclipse glasses, which are very different from sunglasses-they block so much light you can only see the sun safely. A solar telescope is fantastic if you have one. Alternatively, you can project the eclipse using a household item like a colander, by pointing it at the Sun with your back to the light and viewing the series of images formed in the shadow.”
The next time the moon will obscure this much of the sun won’t be until 2081, with the next total solar eclipse visible in the UK expected in 2090.
For the best experience, Ms Bell suggests finding an elevated spot facing west with few obstructions. “You might notice the sky darkening slightly. Looking safely, the sun will appear as if the moon is taking a bite out of it, resembling a crescent sun,” she says.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness a remarkable astronomical event safely from your own local area by using our postcode tool to find your ideal viewing time.