. A rare celestial event will be visible right across Merseyside on Wednesday, weather permitting. Watch the video to find out exactly when the eclipse will happen, how much of the Sun will be covered and, most importantly, how to watch it safely, as Nick Dee speaks to space expert Andrew Lound.
A significant celestial event is approaching for residents of the United Kingdom: a partial solar eclipse. Andrew Lound, a space expert and commentator, notes that while regions in Iceland, Portugal, and Spain will experience a total solar eclipse, those in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland will witness a substantial partial event. In cities like Plymouth, the moon may cover over 95% of the sun. The process is expected to begin shortly after 6:00 p.m., with the maximum coverage occurring between 7:13 p.m. and 7:16 p.m., depending on the specific location, before concluding by 8:10 p.m.
Safety is paramount when viewing the sun, and Lound stresses that one should never look directly at the eclipse with the naked eye. Because this is not a total solar eclipse, the sun remains bright enough to cause permanent eye damage. "Never, never, never, never look directly at the sun with your naked eyes," Lound emphasizes. To view the event safely, he recommends using indirect projection methods.
Projecting an image of the sun onto a piece of white card or foam is a safe way to observe the eclipse. This can be done using a telescope or binoculars. When using binoculars, Lound advises covering one lens entirely to ensure a safer, clearer projection. A colander can also act as a simple pinhole camera, projecting multiple images of the eclipsed sun onto a card. Alternatively, for those observing near bodies of water, the reflection on a stable water surface can provide a clear view.
Other specialized options include high-quality, modern welding helmets, which protect against both ultraviolet and infrared radiation, or certified solar protection glasses purchased from reputable telescope suppliers to avoid inferior, potentially dangerous products sold online. Regardless of the method used, Lound warns against prolonged exposure and advises viewers to look away periodically. Following the eclipse, enthusiasts are encouraged to continue their sky-watching, as the Perseid meteor shower will provide a secondary celestial event throughout the night.
