Stargazers across London are in for a spectacular treat tomorrow evening, as a partial solar eclipse is poised to illuminate the city’s skies – and it’s certainly not an event you’ll want to miss.
This Wednesday, 12th August, the UK will find itself directly in the path of what promises to be the most stunning solar eclipse witnessed in nearly 30 years. While Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain will experience totality, those throughout the UK will be treated to a deep partial eclipse, with approximately 90 per cent of the sun obscured from view.
The last total eclipse visible from British shores occurred in August 1999, when Cornwall and parts of Devon were plunged into totality. Total solar eclipses only return to the same location on Earth once every 360 to 410 years, with the next total eclipse over any part of the UK not expected until 2090 – making this week’s celestial spectacle your finest opportunity to witness anything approaching totality.
A solar eclipse takes place when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, partially or entirely obstructing the sun’s light. Despite the sun being obscured behind the moon, it remains exceptionally dangerous to gaze directly at an eclipse without appropriate eye protection.
One of the safest methods to observe the eclipse is through specially manufactured eclipse glasses, which offer considerably stronger UV protection than ordinary sunglasses, enabling you to view the sun directly without causing harm to your eyes. If you’re struggling to obtain these glasses – particularly as numerous online stockists have run out – a DIY pinhole projector provides a much safer option for observing the eclipse.
Twinkl Resources posted a step-by-step video on TikTok explaining precisely how to construct your own pinhole projector. The method is incredibly straightforward, and with youngsters at home during the summer break, it’s an excellent chance to dedicate an afternoon to getting them engaged in making their own projectors ahead of the eclipse.
How to make a pinhole projector.
Other ways to view an eclipse safely
The most dependable approach to viewing an eclipse without a pinhole projector is to wear specialist eclipse glasses.
According to Royal Museums Greenwich, your glasses must display a safety certification marked either ‘ISO 12312-2’ or ‘ISO 12312-2:2015’.
Those intending to use old glasses should exercise caution, as damaged or scratched lenses may no longer offer sufficient protection.
For anyone who would rather watch from the comfort of their own home, the Royal Observatory will be live streaming the eclipse live on 12th August, providing a free broadcast of the spectacle from London.
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