Stargazers could catch a glimpse of a partial solar eclipse this morning, where the sun looks like it’s had a bite taken out of it.
It only occurs a handful of times a year, when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, and partly obscures the star.
Here’s what you need to know for the best chance of seeing it.
When is it?
It’s expected to be visible in the UK from 9.56am to 12.14pm today.
For people in the south of England – where the weather means views should be best – the peak of the eclipse is set to be at around 11.03am.
This is when the eclipse reaches its “maximum” – the moment when the greatest portion of the sun is hidden.
According to the Royal Observatory, the maximum this time will see around 30-40% of the sun obscured.
What is the weather meant to be like?
Some parts of the UK will see more of the eclipse than others. Northwest Scotland is expected to see the most coverage with 47.9% in Gallan Head.
Dover in southwest England is set to see the least coverage of the eclipse with only 28.1% of the sun blocked by the moon, while Manchester is expected to have 36.1% of coverage.
Check the forecast where you are
Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said: “The further northwest you are in the UK the more of an eclipse you are likely to have, whereas towards the southeast it’s a little bit less – but still 30%, and still a large chunk taken out of the sun.”
Met Office maps show clear skies across southeast England at the time that the eclipse starts, with partial cloud above Manchester and northwest England, and cloud above most of Scotland.
The areas expected to have some of the best eclipse coverage are also likely to see cloud and rain at the time.
Conditions are widely meant to clear over the weekend, with temperatures up to 17C in the South East and 14C in the North on Sunday – but it may come slightly too late to have a good view of the sun today.
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How can I give myself the best chance of seeing it?
Even though part of the sun will be covered, its brightness will still be dangerous to the naked eye, so experts say it can cause serious and permanent damage if you look straight at it without appropriate protection.
Also: standard sunglasses do not count as protection.
If you want more than a quick glance, you can use a pinhole projector or solar eclipse viewing glasses.
You can make pinhole projectors at home, simply by making a hole in a piece of card, holding the card up to the sun and holding another piece of paper behind the card.
The shape of the sun will appear projected onto the paper, without harming you.
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Solar eclipse viewing glasses can be purchased online.
For those who can’t see it in person, the Royal Observatory is streaming the partial eclipse live through one of its modern telescopes on its YouTube channel, with coverage starting from 10am.
