An almost total solar eclipse will be visible across the UK on Wednesday evening, the first such event visible countrywide this century. Viewers in the UK and Ireland will see 90-96% of the sun covered by the moon.
Key facts
- An almost total solar eclipse will be visible across the UK on Wednesday evening.
- It is the first solar eclipse visible across the whole country this century.
- People in the UK and Ireland will see 90-96% of the sun covered by the moon.
- It is the first such event since 1999 and the last chance until 2081.
People across the UK will have the chance to see an almost total solar eclipse in the evening sky on Wednesday, according to the Guardian. It marks the first time this century that such an eclipse will be visible across the country.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the sun and the Earth, blocking the sun’s light either partially or fully. The extent of the coverage seen from any given location depends on the alignment of the sun, moon and Earth relative to the observer.
This year, people in the UK and Ireland will see between 90% and 96% of the sun covered by the moon, the Guardian reports. That level of coverage has not been seen in the region since 1999.
The event is a rare one for UK skywatchers. According to the Guardian, it will be their last chance to witness an eclipse of this kind until 2081, making Wednesday’s evening viewing a significant opportunity for those hoping to observe the phenomenon.
The Guardian’s coverage focuses on when, where and how people can get the optimal view of the eclipse as it appears in the evening sky.
Why it matters
Solar eclipses of this scale are rare events for the UK, and this one will not be repeated in the region until 2081. For most people alive today, Wednesday represents a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see an almost total eclipse from home.
Frequently asked questions
When will the solar eclipse be visible in the UK?
According to the Guardian, the almost total solar eclipse will be visible across the UK in the evening sky on Wednesday.
How much of the sun will be covered?
People in the UK and Ireland will see between 90% and 96% of the sun covered by the moon, the Guardian reports.
When is the next chance to see an eclipse like this?
The Guardian reports that this is the last chance to see such an eclipse in the UK and Ireland until 2081, with the previous one occurring in 1999.