The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has shared some tips for safely viewing the partial solar eclipse, which will be visible across the UK and Ireland from 6pm on Wednesday 12 August.
People watching in the South West of England are likely to see the greatest proportion of the Sun covered by the Moon – up to 95 per cent.
According to Royal Museums Greenwich, this will be the most coverage seen from the UK and Ireland since the 1999 solar eclipse – which was total from most of Cornwall and Devon – making it a genuinely special occasion.
The UKHSA recommends ensuring any purchased eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers are genuine eclipse glasses with specially designed filters that meet the international safety standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E).
Genuine eclipse glasses are available from reputable retailers, including Royal Museums Greenwich.
The Agency also advised caution around products sold online that may not meet this requirement – and not to use eclipse glasses if the lenses are scratched, torn or damaged.
The eclipse can also be watched indirectly without any specialist equipment.
Safe options include: