How to see the partial solar eclipse in the UK today

October has been an astronomy fan’s dream – we had the Draconids, then the Orionid meteor showers, and as the month comes to a close, we have something else to marvel at: a partial solar eclipse. 

This will occur on October 25 during the morning, between 10.08am and 11.51am.

You might have heard of a solar eclipse in the past. This happens when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, obscuring Earth’s view of the sun, either totally or partially.

What is a partial solar eclipse?

This means the sun’s light will not be completely blocked. Nowhere on Earth will see the sun totally covered this year.

This year, the partial solar eclipse will reach its peak – the moment when the greatest amount of sun is hidden – at 10.59am.

How can I see the eclipse in the UK?

Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as looking directly at the sky as staring at the sun (albeit obscured) can damage your eyes. 

The Royal Observatory has suggested that people who want to see it contact their local astronomical society – in case they are hosting an event with appropriate viewing equipment.

If that’s not an option, you could also buy solar eclipse viewing glasses.

When is the next total solar eclipse in the UK? 

According to the Royal Museums Greenwich website, the next total solar eclipse won’t happen in the UK until... 2090. So it could be now or never, basically.

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