Solar Eclipse

Partial solar eclipse on Friday 20^th March 2015

This Friday we will witness the first partial solar eclipse since 1999. Once thought to be the signal to the end of our world, it is now to be a 4D attraction throughout the globe.

A solar eclipse, although very rare, is when the sun, moon and earth all align. This creates and casts a luminous shadow over certain parts of the earth. We haven’t had a total solar eclipse since 1999 and if you miss this partial one you will be waiting until 2026 for the next.

As it’s such an unusual occurrence, it’s worth the time spent on watching his event unfold.

The next total eclipse won’t be until 2090 as scientists predict in the UK so it’s worth counting up all the partial eclipses you witness.

Starting at 8:45am in the UK it’s going to be a breakfast affair as you munch on cereal and stare bewildered at the sky. The maximum eclipse will take place 9:31am, where the moon is nearest the centre on the sun and this is where you all pay the most attention. In the end it will all wind down at 10:41am.

According to astronomers, the further you are north and the clearer your view of the eclipse, the greater the shadow and the fuller it is. But if you can’t make it far up north, you’ll still get a breath taking view and another tick off your bucket list.

If you are going to watch the eclipse, don’t watch it without eye protection as it can damage your eyes. Special ‘specs’ are specially made to filter out harmful radiation and ultra violet light so you can gaze at the star without hurting your vision. They’re relatively cheap and you can buy them online. Alternatively you can build your own at home.

1.    Get yourself a piece of card and cut a hole in it.

2.    Cover that with a piece of tinfoil and pierce a very small hole in it.

If you point that towards the sun and project the light coming through the pinhole onto a piece of white cardboard or paper then you can view the sun and view the Sun's projection there, so you aren't looking directly at the sun.

Voila! Your own pair of eclipse watching glasses. Enjoy this rare occasion as you might have to wait a while for the next!

By Lilly