After weeks of preparation, tips and safety warnings, the day has finally arrived. Yes, tonight’s the night areas of the UK will experience a partial solar eclipse, when the moon will cross in between the sun and the Earth and (partially) block out the light.
While the UK’s partial eclipse isn’t set to be the dramatic display expected parts of Mexico, the US and Canada (where locations in the path of totality will be plunged into complete darkness), there’s still a chance of catching a glimpse of the display in the UK. So here is everything you need to know about when and where tonight’s partial solar eclipse will be visible.
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What time is the solar eclipse in the UK?
The eclipse will begin at slightly different times across the UK, and will last longer in some areas than others. Here is how long the sun will be partially blocked in each region:
England: 7.54pm – 8.06pm
Northern Ireland: 7.54pm – 8.21 pm
Scotland: 7.52pm – 8.51 pm
Wales: 7.55 pm – 8.04 pm
Where in the UK will have the best visibility?
Good news if you live in one of the following UK cities, and according to TimeandDate.com, these are the places that will have the best visibility:
What will the weather be like?
On a day when a natural phenomenon is on the cards, obvs the UK’s weather isn’t looking too kind. According to the Met Office, large parts of the north west, Scotland and Northern Ireland will experience a bit of rain, but you might have more luck if you’re based in Cardiff, Leeds or Manchester. Keep an eye on the Met Office’s weather forecast here.
What happens during a partial eclipse?
Lucky viewers in Mexico, the US and Canada will soon be witnessing a total solar eclipse, whereas in the UK, we’re just getting a partial one.
A partial eclipse still sees the moon pass between the earth and the sun, but not to the same extent as in the ‘path of totality’. Instead, only a small chunk of the sun will be blocked, and we won’t be experiencing the full halo effect – that’s actually not set to take place in the UK for a while. But don’t worry too much, there are plenty of ways to watch the phenomenon online.
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