Best places to watch the solar eclipse in Greater Manchester this Wednesday as 90% of sun covered
The partial eclipse will be visible from 6.13pm to 8.03pm, with the maximum at 7.10pm. Heaton Park is hosting a free viewing event and Jodrell Bank will stay open late. But don't use sunglasses, experts warn.
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Sky watchers across Greater Manchester are gearing up for a spectacular partial solar eclipse on Wednesday evening (August 12), when around 90% of the Sun will be covered by the Moon.
The eclipse begins at 6.13pm and ends at 8.03pm, with the maximum coverage at 7.10pm. The best views will come from anywhere with a clear line of sight to the western horizon.
While the South West will see the most dramatic eclipse (up to 96% coverage), Greater Manchester will still witness an impressive spectacle. The next eclipse this good won't come until 2090.
Where can I watch it?
Heaton Park Astronomy Group is holding a free viewing event near the Stables and Hall in Heaton Park, with solar-filtered telescopes, binoculars and eclipse glasses. Members will be on hand to explain what is happening and help people view it safely.
"Weather permitting, this will be the best solar eclipse since 2015 and there won't be another one this good until 2090!" the group said.
Jodrell Bank in Cheshire is staying open late until 8pm, offering guided solar observing sessions and an immersive Space Dome film celebrating the Sun. Bookable film screenings are at 4.45pm and 5.30pm.
How do I watch safely?
Do not look directly at the Sun at any point during the eclipse, even when it is mostly covered.
The UKHSA has warned that sunglasses "do not provide adequate protection for viewing a solar eclipse." They reduce glare, "making it feel more comfortable to look at the Sun for longer, while still allowing harmful solar radiation to reach the retina."
RAS President Professor Jim Wild said: "Never look directly at the Sun without appropriate solar viewing equipment. Certified eclipse glasses, specially designed solar filters for telescopes and binoculars, or indirect methods such as pinhole projectors are all safe ways to observe the event."
The eclipse can be safely viewed through certified eclipse glasses or a homemade pinhole projector.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What time is the solar eclipse in Manchester?
- The partial solar eclipse will begin at 6.13pm on Wednesday, 12 August. It will peak at 7.10pm and finish completely by 8.03pm.
- Where are the best places to watch the eclipse locally?
- Anywhere with a clear view of the western horizon is ideal. Organised public viewing events are also taking place at Heaton Park and Jodrell Bank Observatory.
- Can I use normal sunglasses to look at the eclipse?
- No. The UK Health Security Agency warns that standard sunglasses do not protect your eyes from harmful solar radiation. You must use certified eclipse glasses or an indirect pinhole viewer.