Solar eclipse 2024 is happening tonight but how can I see the it in the UK. The next one is in 2090

Today, North America is experiencing a total eclipse, but here's what you need to know about the partial eclipse happening in the UK:

Solar eclipses are amazing natural events when the moon partially blocks the sun, causing a temporary darkness or dimness during the day. While parts of North America will witness a total eclipse today, the UK will only see a partial one, meaning the sun won't be completely obscured.

Total solar eclipses are rare, occurring roughly once every 400 years at any given location. As the total eclipse in the US approaches, here's all you need to know about catching a glimpse of the partial eclipse from the UK.

The partial eclipse in the UK will occur today, Monday, April 8, 2024. During a total solar eclipse, the moon completely covers the sun, resulting in a brief period of darkness along a narrow path. Partial viewers experience only a partial blockage of the sun's light.

The partial eclipse in the UK will start around 7:52 pm in Scotland, 7:54 pm in Northern Ireland and England, and 7:55 pm in Wales. It will end at different times across the UK, with Scotland experiencing the longest duration until around 8:51 pm.

To view the eclipse safely, avoid looking directly at the sun. You can use ISO-approved solar eclipse glasses or create a pinhole projector to observe the eclipse's projection safely.

Cities like Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, and Manchester will have the best chances of viewing the partial eclipse, although the weather forecast predicts rain in some areas.

For those unable to witness the eclipse in person, NASA will livestream the event online starting at 6 pm BST.

While this partial solar eclipse isn't particularly special for the UK, it holds significance for parts of the US, especially Carbondale, Illinois, which will experience its second total eclipse in seven years.

The main difference between a partial and total eclipse lies in the extent of the sun's coverage by the moon. In a total eclipse, the sun is entirely covered, while in a partial eclipse, only part of the sun is obscured.

The UK's next full solar eclipse won't occur until 2090, so mark your calendars for September 23 of that year.