On Saturday morning, a large section of the sun will be obscured as a partial solar eclipse gets under way.
Scotland will witness a more significant eclipse than most of Europe, with nearly half of the sun covered at its peak over the Western Isles.
In Edinburgh, around 40% of the sun will be obscured at maximum eclipse. The most dramatic eclipse in this event will occur over eastern Canada, where 92% of the sun will be covered.
What to expect in Scotland
Shortly after 10am
This marks ‘first contact’ – the moment when the moon begins to move in front of the sun. The right-hand side of the sun will gradually darken as the moon progresses across its face.
Shortly after 10.30am
By this time, nearly a quarter of the sun will be covered as the moon continues its journey from right to left.
Around 10.50am
As Scotland nears maximum eclipse, shadows may begin to shift, and there could be a very subtle drop in temperature – though it may not be particularly noticeable given the time of year.
Around 11.05am
Maximum eclipse occurs, with around 40% of the sun obscured in Aberdeen, Dundee, and Edinburgh; 43% in Inverness and Fort William; and up to 48% on the western side of the Isle of Lewis. Despite nearly half of the sun being covered, the change in light levels will be minimal – noticeable darkening typically only occurs in eclipses exceeding 80%.
Around 11.45am
The moon begins to move away, leaving only about 20% of the sun still obscured.
Shortly after 12pm
The eclipse ends, and the full disk of the sun returns.
How to view it
Since this is only a partial eclipse, it’s crucial to use proper eye protection. Eclipse glasses would be ideal – though they’re probably not something you have lying around in your bedside drawer! The next best option is a pinhole camera, which sounds technical but is easy to make using a piece of card, paper, or even a cereal box. There are plenty of online guides to help you create one.
Will the Scottish weather play ball?
As is often the case with celestial events in Scotland, cloud and rain could play spoilsport. The thickest cloud will cover the west during Saturday morning, meaning areas experiencing the maximum eclipse may struggle to see much of it – though some breaks could appear over the Western Isles as the event nears its end.
The best chance of catching the first part of the eclipse will be in the Borders, East Lothian, Aberdeen, and Shetland, where clearer skies may hold out long enough for a glimpse.
When is the next one?
If you miss this one, don’t worry – the next solar eclipse visible in Scotland is a big one!
On the evening of August 12 next year, as much as 92% of the sun will be obscured along the west coast and Hebrides.
This will bring a noticeable dimming of daylight and a likely drop in temperature, especially as it coincides with sunset.
Given that it’s August, we can hope for a warm evening. Fingers crossed for clear skies!
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