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Partial Solar Eclipse Visible Across the Northern Hemisphere
Sky watchers throughout a large portion of the Northern Hemisphere will have an opportunity to observe the moon partially obscure the sun today. This partial solar eclipse will journey from eastern Canada to Siberia.
This celestial event, the first solar eclipse of the year and the 17th of this century, will span approximately four hours, commencing at 8.50am GMT and concluding by 12.43pm GMT.
Keen observers, ensuring proper eye protection, may witness this spectacle across much of Europe, sections of northeastern North America, and northwestern Africa.
Understanding Partial Solar Eclipses
Solar eclipses arise when the sun, moon, and Earth align. In a total solar eclipse, perfect alignment results in the moon entirely blocking the sun‘s disc, causing a noticeable twilight effect on Earth.
However, this Saturday’s partial eclipse will differ, presenting the Sun as a crescent shape.
Florent Deleflie, an astronomer at the Paris Observatory, stated to AFP news agency, “The alignment is not precise enough for the umbra, or cone of shadow, to touch the Earth’s surface.”
He elaborated, “Because this shadow will remain in space, a total eclipse will not be observable from any location on Earth.”
The Moon will obscure a maximum of about 90 percent of the Sun’s disc. The most optimal viewing point will be over northeastern Canada and Greenland, peaking at 10.47 GMT.
Where to View the Partial Eclipse
The partial solar eclipse will be visible across the UK between 10am and midday on Saturday. Viewing conditions are anticipated to be most favorable in eastern regions where skies are expected to be clearest. The eclipse will also be observable in western Europe, Greenland, northwest Africa, and northeast North America.
Jake Foster from the Royal Observatory noted, “While it will not be a total eclipse anywhere, portions of Canada will experience approximately 90% coverage, offering a truly impressive sight.”
He further explained that the extent of the eclipse in the UK will vary geographically; generally, 30% to 40% of the sun is predicted to be obscured. Foster specified, “The northwestern regions of the UK, including parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland, are positioned to have the most significant viewing, with an estimated 40-45% obscuration.”
Weather Forecast
Foster remarked, “The weather outlook is currently promising, suggesting favorable conditions for observation. We are therefore quite optimistic.”
What to Anticipate
However, individuals anticipating a complete descent into darkness may be disappointed. Foster clarified, “With a partial solar eclipse of this magnitude, where around 30-40% of the sun is blocked, the change would likely go unnoticed if you are not actively looking upwards.”
He continued, “During a partial solar eclipse, a noticeable drop in ambient light or temperature, characteristic of a total eclipse, is unlikely. Direct observation is necessary to truly appreciate its effects.”
The eclipse timing will vary by location. In London, the event will commence at 10:07 am, reach maximum moon coverage of the sun at 11:03 am, and conclude at noon.
Safe Viewing of the Eclipse
To directly observe the eclipse by looking at the sun, solar eclipse glasses or a dedicated solar viewer are essential,” advised Jake Foster of the Royal Observatory. “These devices employ specialized filters that block 99.9999% of the sun’s intense light, ensuring safe viewing. Similarly, solar telescopes are equipped with comparable filters.”
Indirect Viewing Methods
Nevertheless, secure indirect methods exist for viewing the partial solar eclipse. Foster suggested utilizing a kitchen colander or a sheet of paper pierced with a small hole. By positioning either object to allow sunlight to pass through the perforations, an image of the eclipse will be projected onto a surface like the ground, a wall, or another piece of paper.
“The projected image will depict the sun as though a portion has been removed, offering a safe way to view the event as it unfolds,” he stated. “The sunlight filtering through the gaps in tree leaves can sometimes create a similar projection effect.”
Safety Warning
For those planning to view the eclipse outdoors, eye safety is paramount.
Directly gazing at the Sun, whether during an eclipse or at any other time, can lead to irreversible vision impairment.
Sky watchers are strongly encouraged to acquire certified eclipse-viewing glasses, verifying they are undamaged.
The Paris Observatory cautioned that even minor flaws or microscopic punctures in solar eclipse glasses can lead to eye damage.
Future Solar Eclipses
The subsequent total solar eclipse visible from the UK will occur in 2090. However, a total solar eclipse will be observable across a significant portion of Europe, including parts of Spain, in August 2026.
Jake Foster from the Royal Observatory mentioned, “It will even be positioned over islands like Ibiza.” For those unable to travel, another partial solar eclipse will be visible in the UK, offering another opportunity for viewing.