A partial solar eclipse is set to be visible across the South West – including the Burnham-On-Sea area – on Wednesday evening (August 12th), weather permitting.
The entire event is set to last about one hour and 50 minutes, starting at about 6.20pm and finishing by 8.10pm. It is set to be the UK’s most dramatic partial solar eclipse since 1999 as the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, blocking out much of its light and creating a spectacular partial solar eclipse across the UK and Ireland.
People hoping to watch the eclipse have been urged not to look directly at the Sun without the right protection. Even when more than 95% of the Sun is covered, it is never safe to look directly at a partial eclipse without proper protection.
The UK Health Security Agency strongly recommends using genuine eclipse glasses or solar viewers that meet the international safety standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E). Ordinary sunglasses do not provide enough protection.
Alternatively, a simple pinhole projector made from a piece of card can allow the eclipse to be viewed safely without looking directly at the Sun.
Burnham & Highbridge Brass Band plans to play on Burnham-On-Sea seafront near the Bay View Cafe during the eclipse.
Dr Jean Dean, fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, says nature will alter its behaviour as the eclipse progresses. She says: “First contact is when the edge of the moon touches the edge of the Sun and after first contact, you will very quickly see the moon start to bite the Sun. A little while after this, you should start to notice a slight change in temperature and the sky starting to darken.
“As the maximum approaches, nature will begin to respond. Birds will fall silent and nyctinastic plants (plants that open their leaves during the day and close them at night) such as clovers, dandelions and daises will close. Nature will then return to normal, the sky will lighten and the temperature will rise slightly.”
The next full solar eclipse in the UK is due to take place in 64 years, on 23 September 2090.
