On Wednesday 12 August, Londoners will be able to see a rare partial solar eclipse.
A solar eclipse takes place when the Moon moves between the Sun and the Earth, blocking the Sun’s light either partially or completely. This casts a small shadow on the Earth for a short period.
During this eclipse, around 90% of the Sun will be covered by the Moon for people viewing it from London. According to Royal Museums Greenwich, this is the greatest coverage visible from the UK since 1999.
Here’s what you need to know about the solar eclipse, including the best places to watch it in the capital and how to do so safely.
The museums say there will be a noticeable difference in temperature and light levels. However, as it is not a total eclipse, the sky will not become completely dark.
After this week’s event, the UK will not see another deep partial solar eclipse until 2050, while the next total solar eclipse visible from the UK is not due until 2090.
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