What time is the solar eclipse in the UK and where can you see it?
The source of the picture can be traced back to Getty Images.
On Monday, a complete solar eclipse will happen across North America, spreading from Mexico up to the far eastern side of Canada.
The celestial event won't be as impressive in the United Kingdom, but certain regions may have the chance to see a partial eclipse.
What's A Solar Eclipse & Why Is This One Unique?
When the Moon positions itself between the Earth and Sun, it leads to a solar eclipse that can prevent some or all of the Sun's rays from illuminating the Earth.
This occurrence is a space happening that necessitates the Sun, the Moon, and the Earth to be precisely aligned so that the Moon can cause a shade to fall on our world.
When this occurs, the Moon creates two distinct types of shadows.
When the moon partially blocks out the view of the Sun, it causes a partial solar eclipse. This only covers a section of the Sun and is not a total eclipse.
Another type of eclipse that is even more spectacular is known as a total solar eclipse. This happens when the Moon completely blocks out the Sun, except for a beautiful shimmering ring of light around the edge of the Moon. This is caused by the Sun's outer atmosphere scattering light.
Roughly every year and a half, a complete solar eclipse takes place in a different part of the world. Fortunately, in 2017, people in the United States were able to witness one too. However, they will have to wait until 2045 for the next major chance to see it again.
"Online Viewing: The Total Eclipse Guide"
The event will be available for live viewing on the BBC website via a livestream. In addition, our live page will provide real-time updates in both written and video format.
The coverage will carry on all day and our journalists positioned at eclipse events throughout the United States and Canada will provide live updates.
When And Where To See The UK Solar Eclipse?
If the weather permits, people in the west of the UK could potentially view a partial eclipse shortly before sunset.
To put it in easy terms, if you were to draw a straight line from Fowey in Cornwall to Berwick upon Tweed in Northumberland, then anything located to the left of that line could possibly observe the Moon appearing to take a small bite out of the Sun prior to it setting beyond the horizon.
In order to achieve this, it will be necessary to elevate oneself to a higher altitude and ensure that the atmosphere above is unobstructed.
Simon King, a presenter for BBC Weather, stated that the partial solar eclipse will take place later in the day according to UK time. He mentioned that due to this, the Sun will be positioned in a low spot close to the horizon and will eventually set before the entirety of the phenomenon is completed.
The complete shade of the Moon concludes its expedition over the planet in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 620 miles (1,000km) away from Cornwall.
UK Eclipse Weather: What To Expect?
The prediction for Monday evening doesn't look favorable for observing the partial solar eclipse in the United Kingdom.
Simon King has stated that the Western Isles of Scotland offer the prime location for experiencing the most impressive eclipse with a clear view of the skies.
He stated that besides the north-western region of Scotland, the weather will be mostly cloudy with occasional rainfall, which could make it a less enjoyable experience during the solar eclipse.
Safe Ways To Watch Eclipse?
The traditional tip of not gazing directly at the Sun still stands - it's not safe to stare at the eclipse directly.
Solar eclipse glasses are highly recommended by professionals as they are specially designed to shield harmful UV rays. These particular glasses differ from regular sunglasses because they completely block any light source apart from the Sun.
If you are unable to obtain eyeglasses, an alternative is to poke a tiny hole with a needle into a sheet of paper. Stand with your back facing the Sun and lift the paper above your shoulder, allowing the Sun's rays to shine through the minuscule aperture.
Simultaneously, keep a different sheet of paper in your sight.
This will function as a surface where the beams of the Sun will be displayed.
"Total Eclipse: Where Will It Be Visible?"
Residing in certain cities in North America means being in the path of totality, a precise map indicating the location where the complete solar eclipse will be visible.
This area covers a vast range, starting in Mexico and extending up to the furthest point east of Canada, which is Newfoundland.
Massive urban areas like Dallas, Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Buffalo have the privilege to witness a complete eclipse, with Niagara Falls predicted to deliver a breathtaking spectacle to its spectators.
Canadians can experience the total solar eclipse from Hamilton, Montreal, and Gander.
Last UK Eclipse? When?
The most recent total solar eclipse that took place in the United Kingdom happened in the year 1999.
A huge number of individuals visited Cornwall, as it was the exclusive location in the United Kingdom to observe the occurrence in its entirety.
When's The Next UK Solar Eclipse?
According to experts, the upcoming partial solar eclipse that can be witnessed from the United Kingdom is anticipated to happen on the 29th of March in the year 2025. During this event, around 30 to 40% of the Sun's rays will likely be obstructed from view.
On the 12th of August 2026, a nearly complete eclipse will take place, where almost 90% of the Sun will be hidden by the Moon.
According to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, it's unlikely that there will be a full solar eclipse in the UK anytime soon. The next one is expected to occur on 23 September 2090, which is still 66 years away.
