Hundreds of people have queued outside the FLO warehouse on Budlake Road, Exeter, for a chance to buy solar eclipse glasses ahead of Wednesday's eclipse. Some shoppers travelled up to 170 miles, with Devon Live reporting that a few had come from London, a journey of about 170 miles and four hours by road.
Gridlock near Marsh Barton
The queues and shopping spree are causing delays around the shop, with cars lining up to get the glasses. One witness said traffic was in 'gridlock' near the area in Marsh Barton. They added: "For anyone thinking of going to get eclipse glasses from FLO in Marsh Barton, I would suggest parking a little way away and walking, it is gridlocked around the area!!"
Safety warnings
Eclipse glasses are specialist eyewear that allow people to watch the celestial phenomenon safely. Following the 1999 eclipse, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists reported that 70 people suffered damage during the event. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warns against using ordinary sunglasses, no matter how dark, saying they "do not provide adequate protection for viewing a solar eclipse". The UKHSA added: "They reduce glare, making it feel more comfortable to look at the Sun for longer, while still allowing harmful solar radiation to reach the retina. Never use regular sunglasses to look at the Sun during an eclipse."
Eclipse timing
The solar eclipse will begin around 6.08pm, depending on location in the UK. Edinburgh and Glasgow will be the earliest to witness "first contact", when the Moon initially covers the Sun. The eclipse will peak between 7.05pm and 7.16pm, with Cornwall the last to see maximum coverage. The event is set to conclude between 8pm and 8.10pm.
