Partial Solar Eclipse 2015

20th March 2015

On the morning of 20th March 2015, a partial solar eclipse was visible from the UK, the best for over 10 years. Despite cloud cover during parts of the eclipse, people all over the country enjoyed spectacular views of over 80% of the sun being covered by the moon.

The eclipse by HCO member Matt Armitage

The eclipse by HCO member Matt Armitage

 

The eclipse by HCO member Oliver King

The eclipse by HCO member Oliver King

 

Timelapse of the eclipse by HCO member Oliver King

 

For more images and videos of the eclipse, please see our Facebook page and YouTube channel.

 

Viewing Information

On Friday 20 March 2015, a partial solar eclipse will be visible from the UK. The eclipse will begin at around 8:30am, and will peak at about 9:30am with about 85%-95% of the sun covered by the moon, the eclipse will then end at about 10:30am. The exact timings and amount of the sun covered by the moon will vary depending on your location. A total solar eclipse will not be visible from the UK.

Animation of the eclipse; NASA
Animation of the eclipse. Credit: NASA

 

Observing the eclipse safely

Do NOT look at the sun with the naked eye, sunglasses, through binoculars or a telescope at any point during the eclipse.

If you are planning to observe the partial solar eclipse, it is vital that you do so safely. Even with 99% of the sun covered, there would still be enough light to cause permanent damage to your vision. Your retina does not contain any nerves to warn you that it is being damaged, so caution is needed.

At no point during the eclipse should you do any of the following:

  • Do NOT look at the sun with the naked eye
  • Do NOT look at the sun through sunglasses or most welding goggles
  • Do NOT point a telescope or binoculars at the sun without correct filters

Safe ways to observe the eclipse include

Click here to find out more about observing the eclipse safely...

 

Solar Eclipses

A Solar Eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, obscuring the sun from view on part of the Earth’s surface meaning that part of the moon’s shadow falls on the surface of the Earth. During the Friday's eclipse, the UK will fall in the penumbra of the moon's shadow, meaning that only part of the sun will be covered by the moon when observed from the UK.

Click here to find out more about the science of solar eclipses...