Skywatchers across Scotland are being urged to look up on Wednesday, 12 August, as a spectacular partial solar eclipse will be visible across the country.
The celestial event will see the Moon pass between the Earth and the Sun, covering around 90% of the Sun across much of Scotland, making it one of the most impressive eclipses visible from the UK in decades.
The eclipse is expected to begin at around 6:08pm, reaching its maximum at approximately 7:05pm to 7:06pm, before coming to an end at around 8:00pm.
Unlike a total solar eclipse, the Sun will never be completely covered in Scotland, but the event will still be dramatic, with daylight noticeably dimming as the Moon obscures most of the Sun.
Those hoping to catch a glimpse should try to find a location with a clear view of the western or west-northwestern horizon, as the Sun will be sitting relatively low in the sky during the eclipse. Coastal locations and elevated viewpoints are likely to offer the best viewing opportunities.
However, experts are reminding people never to look directly at the Sun without certified solar eclipse glasses or suitable solar filters. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe, and binoculars or telescopes should never be used without specialist solar filters, as this can cause permanent eye damage.
If the weather plays its part, the eclipse will provide an unforgettable evening for amateur astronomers, photographers and families alike.
As an added bonus for stargazers, the Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak later that same night, meaning 12 August could become one of the best evenings of the year to enjoy the night sky.
Partial Solar Eclipse – Key Times (Scotland)
🌘 Starts: 6:08pm
🌗 Maximum: Around 7:06pm
🌒 Ends: Around 8:00pm
👓 Remember: Only view using certified solar eclipse glasses.