Spectacular Eclipse of the Sun

Posted by on Mar 18, 2015 in Advice | No Comments

solar eclipse

Friday morning will see the most spectacular eclipse of the sun for 15 years. This event will not happen again until 2034.

In a rare astronomical alignment the moon will pass directly between the sun and the earth, blocking out most of the light.  Viewers in the UK will witness a partial eclipse of at least 80% depending upon location.  The solar eclipse in London begins at 8.25am Greenwich Mean Time, is at its greatest at 9.31 and ends at 10.41.  The maximum obscuration of the solar disk in London is 84%

Here are a few tips to ensure that you can view the eclipse safely without damaging your eyes:

Never look directly at the sun or use any instruments like binoculars, telescopes or cameras to view the sun directly.  Doing so may permanently damage your eyesight.

The only safe way to view the eclipse is indirectly, through a device such as a pinhole projector.  This cheap and easy method projects the sun’s image onto a screen, such as a sheet of white paper or cardboard.

Never point an unprotected camera lens at the sun as this may cause permanent damage to the camera and to your eyes.  To take photographs without damaging your camera you will need to use a solar filter recommended by your camera manufacturer.

The only safe way to view the sun is indirectly and perhaps the best way to get a good view is to watch it on television.