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Rare Solar Eclipse To Darken Sussex Skies

  • Writer: Dominic Kureen
    Dominic Kureen
  • 2 days ago
  • 2 min read

People across Sussex will have the chance to witness one of the most significant solar eclipses seen from the UK for almost 30 years.


The partial eclipse takes place this evening, with up to 95 per cent of the Sun expected to be obscured by the Moon, depending on where you are.


The eclipse will be visible between around 6pm and 8pm, with the sky gradually darkening as the Moon passes across the Sun.


At its peak, viewers will see the Sun reduced to a dramatic crescent shape.


The last major solar eclipse visible from the UK was the total eclipse of August 1999, which could be seen from Cornwall and parts of Devon.


The next total eclipse visible from the UK won't happen until 2090.


Where To Watch In Sussex


A number of organised viewing events are taking place across Sussex, including:

  • Martello Tower, Seaford Beach — organised by Lewes Astronomical Society.

  • Sheffield Park and Garden, Uckfield — organised by the Seven Sisters' Astronomy Group.

  • Goring Gap, Worthing — with Worthing Astronomers.

  • South Downs Planetarium and Science Centre, Chichester.

  • Horsham Park Human Nature Garden — an eclipse picnic.

  • De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill — with Astronomy Adventures UK.


There are also organised events in Kent and Surrey.


When Will It Happen?


The Moon will begin moving across the Sun at around 6.17pm in the South East.


Maximum eclipse is expected between around 7.05pm and 7.16pm.


The eclipse will finish for UK viewers at around 8.10pm.


The Met Office is predicting “very good” visibility during the eclipse, although conditions will vary locally.


How To Watch Safely


It is important not to look directly at the Sun, even when most of it is covered.


Doing so can cause permanent damage to your eyes.


Specialist eclipse glasses meeting the ISO 12312-2 safety standard should be used, or approved solar filters for telescopes and other optical equipment.


Pinhole projectors and other indirect viewing methods can also be used.


Never look at the Sun through binoculars or a telescope without a suitable solar filter, as this can cause immediate and permanent eye damage.


Astronomy groups and observatories are also holding organised viewing events where people can watch the eclipse safely.

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