A rare solar eclipse will be visible across the UK on Wednesday night, with more than 90% of the sun obscured by the moon up and down the country between 6.17pm and 8.06pm. This is the most the sun has been blocked above UK skies since the total eclipse in 1999.
Eye safety warnings from experts
Viewers are urged to be extremely careful, as looking directly at the eclipse can damage eyes. Mohamed Elalfy, a consultant ophthalmologist and president of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, said: “The safest way to enjoy the eclipse is to observe it indirectly, such as by watching a live broadcast.”
He added: “Looking directly at the Sun during a solar eclipse can cause damage to the retina, potentially damaging the cells responsible for sharp central vision. Crucially, the retina has no pain receptors, so people will not feel the damage as it happens.”
Symptoms may include blurred vision, a central blind or dark spot, distorted vision, reduced colour perception and increased sensitivity to light. While some recover over weeks or months, others can be left with permanent visual impairment.
Photography tips and filter advice
Those planning to photograph the eclipse must protect their camera or smartphone lens, as pointing it directly at the sun can damage it. Antonio Garcia Fernandez, of Volunteer Astronomy Observers of Spain, said the lens must be protected by a special-purpose solar filter.
The group recommends the Solar Snap filter, the only smartphone-compatible filter certified to the international ISO 12312-2 standard for solar filters. Alternatively, eclipse glasses can be held over the lens. Garcia Fernandez said: “This makeshift method is a great low-cost DIY alternative and was widely and successfully practiced by millions of observers during the recent 2023 and 2024 solar eclipses in the Americas.”
NASA also warned about smartphone use, stating on X: “The answer is yes, the phone sensor could be damaged just like any other image sensor if it’s pointed directly at the Sun. This is especially true if you’re using any sort of magnifying lens attachment on the phone. You would need to utilize the proper filters just like on any other camera.” They advised holding eclipse glasses in front of the phone’s lenses when photographing the Sun at any point other than totality.
Peak visibility and future eclipses
Plymouth is forecast to see the fullest eclipse, with the moon covering 94.66% of the sun at 7.16pm. The next time the moon will obscure as much of the sun will be in 2081, and the next total solar eclipse in the UK will be in 2090.
