A partial solar eclipse will grace UK skies this Saturday. The Moon will partially obscure the Sun, creating a striking crescent shape. The eclipse will begin shortly after 10 am and end around noon. Scotland and Northern Ireland will offer the best views.
At the peak, around 11 am, up to 45% of the Sun’s light will be blocked. The partial eclipse will be visible across the UK. In London, around 30% of the Sun will be covered. The phenomenon will be more prominent in Scotland and Ireland, with about 45% coverage.
Figure 1: Eclipse viewing time in the UK
Viewing Tips for the Eclipse
Experts emphasise the importance of safe viewing. Dr Robert Massey, deputy executive director of the Royal Astronomical Society, stated, “You mustn’t look at it with the naked eye, you mustn’t look at it with a telescope – unless you have the right kind of filters.”
Viewing the solar eclipse without proper protection can cause permanent eye damage. Even partial coverage of the Sun remains dangerous to observe directly. Using everyday items, like a kitchen colander or paper with a pinhole, can help view the eclipse safely.
Lord Dover, an astronomer and senior technical officer at the University of Hertfordshire’s Bayfordbury Observatory, recommends using a colander. “Just hold it up in front of the Sun, and it will cast dozens of tiny projections of the eclipse onto a surface behind it,” he said.
Cultural and Historical Perspectives
Throughout history, solar eclipses have held significant cultural meanings. In Aztec mythology, the jaguar god Tepeyollotl was believed to swallow the Sun during an eclipse. In Cherokee traditions, people made noise to scare away a giant frog that they thought was devouring the Sun.
In Togo and Benin, eclipses symbolise conflict between the Sun and Moon. People are encouraged to resolve their disputes during this time. In Christian Europe, eclipses were seen as omens of instability or death. The solar eclipse of August 2, 1133, known as “King Henry’s Eclipse,” preceded the death of King Henry I of England.
For the Navajo people, eclipses are sacred moments representing the Sun or Moon’s rebirth. They view it as a time for reflection, refraining from eating, drinking, or other activities.
What is a Partial Solar Eclipse?
A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun but does not cover it entirely. This alignment results in the Sun appearing as a crescent. The level of coverage varies by location.
For this eclipse, viewers in eastern Canada will see the most coverage, with up to 93% of the Sun obscured. In central Europe, around 10% of the Sun will be covered. In the UK, the coverage will range from 30% in London to 45% in Scotland and Ireland.
Partial solar eclipses occur between two and five times per year. A total solar eclipse, however, only takes place somewhere in the world every 18 months.
Figure 2: Partial Solar Eclipse
Viewing the Eclipse Online
Not everyone will have clear skies or the opportunity to view the eclipse directly. Fortunately, several livestreams will cover the event. The team at Timeanddate will begin streaming at 5:30 am EDT (9:30 am GMT).
The livestream will include input from amateur astronomers from Canada and Europe. The team aims to capture the “devils’ horns” effect as the Moon partially covers the Sun.
The Royal Observatory Greenwich will also stream the event from London. Astronomer Greg Brown will explain the science behind the phenomenon during the broadcast, which begins at 6 am EDT (10 am GMT).
Next Solar Eclipse in the UK
The next solar eclipse in the UK will take place on August 12, 2026. This event will be a 90% partial eclipse, offering the most impressive sight in decades. In Spain, it will be seen as a total eclipse.
The last total solar eclipse visible from the UK occurred in 1999. Cornwall was the only location to witness totality. The next total solar eclipse visible from Britain will not occur until September 23, 2090.
Safety Measures for Viewing
Experts advise caution when viewing the eclipse. Looking directly at the Sun for even a few seconds can cause irreversible damage. Viewing through binoculars or telescopes without appropriate filters increases the risk.
People can use DIY methods for safe viewing. A pinhole projector or a colander can cast a shadow showing the eclipse shape. These simple tools offer a safe way to enjoy the event without harming vision.
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The Significance of the Solar Eclipse
Solar eclipses have always fascinated humanity. From ancient myths to modern scientific exploration, they remain a compelling natural phenomenon. The upcoming partial solar eclipse in the UK will offer a rare and captivating spectacle.
Observers should prioritise safety while appreciating the event. Whether viewed directly with proper precautions or online through livestreams, the solar eclipse 2025 is an opportunity to witness a remarkable celestial occurrence.
