A solar eclipse is an intriguing celestial phenomenon, and some might be curious to know exactly what it is.
It comes as a solar eclipse is set to be visible in the UK on Wednesday, August 12.
This will begin at approximately 6.17pm, reach its maximum shortly after 7.13pm, and finish around 8.06pm, with around 91% of the Sun obscured.
Here's all you need to know about what a solar eclipse is and how it can be viewed safely.
What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth.
When the Sun, Moon and Earth line up exactly, it causes a total eclipse.
This happens because the diameter of the Sun is 400 times that of the Moon, but it is also 400 times further away, the Natural History Museum shares.
During an eclipse, the Moon covers the Sun for a short period, casting a shadow on part of Earth and blocking out daylight.
There are two shadows: the umbra, where the Sun is completely blocked, and the penumbra, where part of the Sun is blocked.
Total eclipses create near-complete darkness, while partial eclipses resemble twilight.
Partial solar eclipses occur several times each year, but total eclipses are far less common, and those visible from the UK or Europe are extremely rare.
How to watch the solar eclipse safely
Anyone planning to watch an eclipse must never look directly at the Sun without certified eclipse glasses or suitable solar filters, even when most of the Sun is covered.
Official advice from the government states: "Ordinary sunglasses - no matter how dark - do not provide adequate protection for viewing a solar eclipse.
Recommended reading:
- Solar eclipse in UK skies this month - Here's how and when to see the rare event
- How can you take a photo of the Northern Lights? A guide for beginners
- Why have Northern Lights sightings become more frequent in recent years?
"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.
"Never use regular sunglasses to look at the Sun during an eclipse."
Have you seen a solar eclipse before? Let us know in the comments.
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