How to see the partial solar eclipse from the UK this weekend

Stargazers could catch a glimpse of a partial solar eclipse this weekend, where the sun looks like it’s had a bite taken out of it.

It only occurs a handful of times a year, when the moon passes between the Sun and Earth, and partly obscures the star.

Here’s what you need to know for the best chance of seeing it.

When is it?

It’s expected to be visible in the UK from 9.56am to 12.14pm on Saturday 29 March.

For people in the south of England – where the weather means views should be best – the peak of the eclipse is set to be at around 11.03am.

This is when the eclipse reaches its “maximum” – the moment when the greatest portion of the sun is hidden.

According to the Royal Observatory, the maximum this time will see around 30-40% of the sun obscured.

What is the weather meant to be like?

Meteorologists say those further south are set for the clearest views.

Northern Scotland is set for a cloudy and rainy morning, despite the fact it’s usually one of the best spots for viewing eclipses.

Stephen Dixon, spokesman for the Met Office, said: “The northwest of Scotland, which has the best window for seeing the partial solar eclipse, is unfortunately going to see rain and cloudy skies.

“There’s a bit of a split for the weekend weather, with more frequent wind and rain in the north of the country, particularly Scotland and Northern Ireland.”

He said “those further south will generally be drier through the day on Saturday”, adding there would be “patchy cloud”.

Conditions are widely meant to clear over the weekend, with temperatures up to 17C in the South East and 14C in the North on Sunday – but it may come slightly too late to have a good view of the sun on Saturday.

How can I give myself the best chance of seeing it?

Even though part of the sun will be covered, its brightness will still be dangerous to the naked eye, so experts say it can cause serious and permanent damage if you look straight at it without appropriate protection.

Also: standard sunglasses do not count as protection.

If you want more than a quick glance, you can use a pinhole projector or solar eclipse viewing glasses.

You can make pinhole projectors at home, simply by making a hole in a piece of card, holding the card up to the sun and holding another piece of paper behind the card.

The shape of the sun will appear projected onto the paper, without harming you.

Solar eclipse viewing glasses can be purchased online.

For those who can’t see it in person, the Royal Observatory is streaming the partial eclipse live through one of its modern telescopes on its YouTube channel, with coverage starting from 10am on Saturday.