People across the UK will be able to experience a partial solar eclipse on Tuesday, 25 October. In this rare astronomical event, the Moon’s orbit lines up closely with the Sun. Its dark disc will cross in front of the bright Sun, making it look as if someone has taken a bite out of the Sun. The partial eclipse will last about two hours – starting about 10.10am, it will reach its maximum by 11.00am and will be all done by 11.50am. Here are four top tips to help you get the best view:
Sight lines in towns and cities are often blocked by tall buildings. Find an open area where you can get a clear view of the Sun.
Never look directly at the Sun, as this could damage your eyes.
To view the event safely, you’ll need eclipse glasses. You can buy them online, or dig out your old pair you kept in a drawer from the 1999 total solar eclipse.
A great way to view the eclipse is with a pinhole camera. Cut a 1-2mm circular hole in a piece of card. Standing with your back to the Sun, hold the card up so Sunlight passes through the hole and falls onto a piece of white paper. Move the card back and forth until you get a sharp image. The bright dot on your piece of paper will clearly display the partially eclipsed Sun. (You can also get the same effect using a colander.)
The next partial solar eclipse visible in the UK is on 29 March 2025.
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