Partial solar eclipse set for our skies - but people warned of dangers

eclipse coming to UK

A partial solar eclipse is set to grace skies across the UK this week as the moon passes between the earth and the sun. - Credit: Matthew Usher

With a partial solar eclipse set to take place this week, an astronomer has reminded people of the dangers of looking directly at the sun.  

Tomorrow morning (June 10), sky-gazers will be able to see nearly a third of the sun being blocked out by the moon in what is known as an annular eclipse. 

But Mark Thompson, astronomy broadcaster, author and co-presenter of BBC Stargazing Live, says to be careful when trying to spot it.  

“Astronomy is normally doing things at night time, but it will be on a nice day," Mr Thompson said.

“There are dangers with observing solar eclipses. The sun gives off a lot of energy, not just visible light but lots of radiation we can’t see.

You may also want to watch:

"The real danger of eclipses is that people will look at the sun to try and see it but that is the worst thing you could do.  

“You can damage your eyesight just by looking at the sun normally, but looking at it through binoculars or telescopes, that makes it even worse.” 

Most Read



Safe ways to view the eclipse include using a simple pinhole projector, solar eclipse viewing glasses or special solar filters - which can fit on telescopes. 

Mr Thompson added: “You can get solar eclipse glasses but they tend to sell out quite quickly when an eclipse is happening. It’s a thin piece of plastic material with a very thin layer of aluminium deposited on both sides of it.  

“With those, you can pop them on your eyes and look at the sun and it's perfectly safe. But what you mustn’t do with those is put them on and look through a telescope. You must use them separately.” 

Although Mr Thompson said there is not anything particularly significant with this partial eclipse, he said it’s a great thing to watch. 

The timing of the partial eclipse depends on where you are in the UK, but it will start from about 10.15am and finish around 12.30pm.

That said, should you miss it, the next opportunity is October 2022.

Become a Supporter


Become a Supporter
Comments powered by Disqus