Partial solar eclipse darkens South West and Channel Islands evening sky

Partial solar eclipse visible across South West and Channel Islands on Wednesday evening

A partial solar eclipse will sweep across the South West and the Channel Islands on Wednesday, beginning at about 18:20 BST and ending by 20:10, with the event lasting roughly one hour and 50 minutes, the National Space Centre said.

The phenomenon occurs when the sun, moon and earth align and the moon casts a shadow on the sun. Although the path of totality crosses northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Spain and northern Portugal, observers in the UK can expect more than 90% of the sun to be obscured by the moon.

Guernsey-based Dr Jean Dean, fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, described the sequence observers should notice: first contact is when the moon’s edge touches the sun, followed by the moon progressively covering the sun, a slight temperature drop and a dimming sky as maximum coverage approaches.

Dr Dean added that nature will respond during the peak: birds may fall silent and nyctinastic plants such as clovers, dandelions and daisies may close, then normal conditions will return as light and temperature rise.

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The National Space Centre noted the primary path of totality will not pass over the UK while the UK will still experience a deep partial eclipse exceeding 90% coverage. Official commentary from experts highlighted observable environmental changes and the timeline from first contact to maximum coverage.

The UK Health Security Agency warned about eye damage from viewing the sun directly and recommended certified eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers, and suggested safe alternatives including pinhole viewers, projecting the sun’s image through a colander or using a simple pinhole projector.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Partial solar eclipse visible in South West and Channel Islands on Wednesday from about 18:20 BST to 20:10.
• More than 90% of the sun will be covered in the UK, while totality passes through northern Russia to northern Portugal.
• Observers may notice temperature drop, dimming sky, birds falling silent and nyctinastic plants closing during maximum coverage.
• UKHSA advises using genuine eclipse glasses or safe projection methods to avoid eye damage.