Heaton Park Astronomy Group is hosting a free solar eclipse viewing event in Greater Manchester this evening, with solar-filtered telescopes, binoculars, and special eclipse glasses available for attendees to use. The near-total eclipse, when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, will see up to 96 per cent of the Sun covered in some parts of the UK, though in Greater Manchester it will be closer to 90 per cent.
Timing and viewing details
The spectacle is set to begin in the region at 6.13pm and end at 8.03pm, with the maximum eclipse at 7.10pm. The best place to view the eclipse is anywhere with a clear view of the western horizon, so open countryside or a park is recommended.
The event will take place near the Stables and Hall at Heaton Park, where members of the group will be on hand to explain what is happening. There is no need to book; attendees can simply turn up.
Safety advice and parking
The group said on its website: "Weather permitting, this will be the best solar eclipse since 2015 and there won’t be another one this good until 2090!" It is important not to look directly at the Sun or view the eclipse through telescopes or binoculars unless they have a special solar filter. Sunglasses do not provide adequate protection. Observers must use certified eclipse glasses, and telescopes and binoculars with specially designed solar filmers, or use indirect methods such as pinhole projectors.
The closest car park to the viewing area is the Hall Car Park, next to the children’s playground at the end of the drive from Gate 15, St Margaret’s Road, Prestwich M25 2GT. Parking is free after 5pm.
Park details
Heaton Park, Manchester’s biggest park, covers 600 acres, encompassing lawns, woodland walks and gardens. It stays open until dusk, so visitors can make an evening of it and bring a picnic along.
