On April 8, 2024, a stunning solar eclipse will be visible across the Americas. Visible from Mexico, across the United States, and all the way up to Montréal and Newfoundland in Canada, it promises to be a truly impressive sight. The total solar eclipse will only be visible along a narrow path along the sun’s route towards sunset, but will be partially visible all across the Americas. And, luckily for us, it will also be partially visible in parts of the UK and Ireland!
This will be the first total solar eclipse visible from North America since 2017. Each year, there are five potential solar eclipses, but small fluctuations in astral movement and orbits can prevent these from taking place. Needless to say, it’s an exciting thing to behold – and we’re glad to be able to join in the excitement in some way. Those based in the Republic of Ireland and western parts of the UK will be able to see a partial solar eclipse on the evening.
Where to see it?
Unfortunately, the solar eclipse will not be visible at all from London – not even partially. Instead, wannabe eclipse viewers will have to travel to the westernmost parts of the country. It will be partially visible from Wales, Scotland, northwest England, and the very farthest southwestern points of England. All of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will also be able to see the partial eclipse.
How much of an eclipse you will see depends on how far West you travel. The strongest view of the eclipse will be during the 10 minutes before sunset.
Of course, all of this depends on the weather, too! If the clouds are hanging low in the sky, or visibility is poor, the impressive sight will not be particularly easy to see. Fingers crossed for a clear bit of weather on the day. (And in general…)
What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon lines up perfectly in between the Sun and the Earth. Despite the Sun being far larger than the Moon, its distance from the Moon (and the Earth) allows the Moon to completely pass over and obscure it when conditions are right.
If you’re within the shadow cast by the Moon covering up the Sun, you’ll see darkness sweep across the land. Imagine not knowing a solar eclipse was coming and seeing it get dark so suddenly!!
Looking at a solar eclipse
Let’s be very clear – you should not look directly at a solar eclipse without some form of protection. This is due to the intense light from the sun. Because… you know… you also just shouldn’t be looking directly at the sun anyway…
The only time that it is safe to view a solar eclipse is during the total eclipse phase, which only lasts for 2-5 minutes at a time. Since no portion of the UK or Ireland will receive a total solar eclipse, the solar eclipse will NOT be safe to look at without protection. The most common forms of protection are pinhole viewers or Solar Eclipse Glasses.
Future eclipses
According to SkyAtNight, the next solar eclipse visible from the UK will be on March 29, 2025 – when a partial solar eclipse will be visible from the UK and Europe. Almost half of the Sun will be blocked by the Moon at this time.
The next total solar eclipse over America will not take place until August 23, 2044! There are sure to be plenty of people travelling across the country next month to see the spectacle.
