Police were called to manage queues in Bristol as hundreds of people flocked to get their hands on solar glasses for tonight's eclipse. People were filmed running to reach a stall where a science centre was handing out free glasses.
In what has been described as like "a scene from Independence Day," thousands rushed to the city's Sea Wall for the rare astronomical event, where at least 90 per cent of the sun will be blocked out by the moon, reports BristolLive.
Eclipse timing and viewing
The partial eclipse began just after 6pm, with maximum eclipse, when the sun is most obscured, taking place around an hour later at just after 7pm. As the next eclipse with this kind of coverage won't happen for nearly 70 years, Brits don't want to miss out.
The South West boasts one of the best viewing spots in the country, so it is no surprise that people have spent the afternoon carefully choosing their seats for the event. It's also the last opportunity for many in Bristol to secure special eclipse glasses, which will allow them to view the phenomenon without risking their vision.
Police called to manage crowds
Police have been called to manage the queue at the Sea Walls as people try to get glasses being handed out for free. An eyewitness at the scene said some people grew unruly when they were unable to get their glasses. They added that there is no parking at the Sea Walls, and vehicles are double and triple-parked on the grass.
Looking directly at the sun during an eclipse is dangerous and can permanently damage the eyes. Eye specialists have issued several warnings, highlighting that looking directly at the sun can cause serious and permanent eye damage, even during a partial eclipse. Only special solar eclipse glasses that are ISO 12312-2 certified for the safest eye protection should be used to view the eclipse, experts have said. Sunglasses do not offer sufficient protection.
Glasses supplies exhausted
Convenience stores, national parks and the Royal Greenwich Observatory have all exhausted their glasses supplies ahead of the eclipse, which will be the country's fullest for the next 54 years. The Royal Greenwich Observatory told the Press Association it had sold approximately 15,000 pairs of eclipse glasses – a sellout – in the last month.
