The UK's first near-total solar eclipse in over half a century will take place this evening, with the Moon blocking more than 90% of the Sun in most of the country. The event will begin shortly after 6pm, peak around 7pm, and end just after 8pm, depending on location.
Exact timings for UK cities
According to the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the eclipse will begin in Edinburgh and Glasgow at 6.08pm, peak at 7.05pm, and end at 8pm. In London, Bristol and Cardiff, it starts at 6.17pm, peaks at 7.12pm, and ends at 8.06pm. Truro, Cornwall, will see it from 6.18pm to 8.10pm, peaking at 7.16pm.
The Isles of Scilly will get the most coverage, with more than 96% of the Sun obscured, while the rest of the UK will see over 90% coverage. The peak moment will sweep from northern Scotland to Land's End in Cornwall in just 15 minutes, meaning the moon's shadow crosses Britain at nearly 2,500 miles per hour.
Safety warnings and eclipse glasses shortage
Experts have warned that looking directly at the Sun without proper protection can cause permanent eye damage. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe, as they reduce glare but still allow harmful solar radiation to reach the retina. Only eclipse glasses certified to ISO 12312-2 should be used.
Hundreds of Brits have queued for hours to buy special eclipse glasses, with lines forming in Weymouth, London, Wrexham and Kent. Several businesses have already sold out. Specialised solar viewing glasses are "thousands of times darker" than sunglasses, according to NASA.
How to make a pinhole viewer at home
For those without glasses, a pinhole viewer can be made at home with a cardboard box, kitchen foil, and scissors. Educational platform Twinkl Resources shared a step-by-step video guide on TikTok showing how to assemble it.
To make one, open the cardboard box and tape a strip of white paper down one side. Cut two squares from the opposite side, cover one with kitchen foil, and secure it with tape. Use a pin to make a small hole in the centre of the foil. Ensure the box is completely sealed at the top, so the only gaps are the pin hole and the empty square. The projector is then ready for safe viewing.
Power shortage warning
The National Energy System Operator (Neso) issued an "electricity margin notice" for between 6pm and 8pm on Wednesday, expecting a shortfall of 1,200 megawatts compared with the desired available capacity. The move alerts other energy generators to activate any additional capacity they have. On Tuesday evening, Neso had warned the shortfall could last from 5pm to 8pm, with the buffer against an electricity shortage potentially ending 1,760 megawatts below the desired amount.
