Stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts across Britain are preparing for a breathtaking celestial event, as a partial solar eclipse will be visible from the UK on Monday, April 8th, 2024. While the path of totality will sweep across North America, the UK will still witness a significant and dramatic partial eclipse.
The spectacle will begin in the late afternoon, with the exact timing varying depending on your location. Those in western parts of the UK, such as Belfast and Glasgow, will be treated to the most impressive views, with the Moon obscuring a larger portion of the Sun.
When and Where to Watch the Eclipse in the UK
The event will unfold over approximately two hours. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and when:
- Belfast: The eclipse begins at 7:55 PM, peaks at 8:10 PM, and ends at 8:25 PM BST.
- Glasgow: Look up at 7:54 PM, with maximum coverage at 8:12 PM, ending by 8:29 PM BST.
- Cardiff: The show starts at 7:55 PM, peaks at 8:05 PM, and concludes at 8:35 PM BST.
- Manchester & Liverpool: Viewing begins around 7:55 PM.
- London & South East: The eclipse will start slightly later, just before 8:00 PM BST.
For the most precise timings for your exact town or city, consulting a dedicated astronomy app or website is highly recommended.
How to View the Eclipse Safely: A Vital Warning
This is the most critical part: never look directly at the Sun without specialised eye protection. Doing so can cause severe and permanent damage to your eyesight.
Standard sunglasses, no matter how dark, are completely inadequate for safely viewing a solar eclipse. You must use eclipse glasses that carry the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. Alternatively, you can use indirect methods:
- A pinhole projector: A simple, safe, and DIY way to project an image of the eclipse onto a piece of paper or card.
- Welder’s glass: Shade 14 or darker is required if using this method.
Always supervise children to ensure they are using protective equipment correctly.
What Will We Actually See?
From the UK, observers will see the Moon take a distinct "bite" out of the Sun. The percentage of the Sun covered will range from over 40% in Northern Ireland and western Scotland to just under 30% in the south-east of England. It will appear as if a dark shadow gradually moves across the Sun before retreating.
This event serves as a spectacular preview for the next solar eclipse visible from the UK, which will occur on March 29, 2025, offering an even greater partial coverage.
