Isle Of Wight Set For Spectacular Partial Solar Eclipse

Islanders will have the chance to see a deep partial solar eclipse this evening, with the Moon set to cover much of the Sun.

The eclipse will begin at around 6.18pm, with the event ending shortly after 8pm.

The Sun will not be completely covered from the Isle of Wight, but the final stages of the eclipse should create a striking crescent close to the horizon.

The weather will, of course, play a part in how clearly it can be seen.

Where To Watch

The best viewing spots will generally be those with an unobstructed view towards the horizon.

Players Beach in Ryde offers a flat and accessible location, with transport links and the town centre nearby.

It should provide good views during the early and maximum stages of the eclipse.

Gurnard Esplanade is another option, although parking could be busy.

Culver Down, Ryde and Appley offer good views during the beginning and peak of the eclipse, although the Island's landscape and local skyline could obstruct the lowest part of the horizon.

In the west of the Island, Totland Bay and Colwell Bay provide open views towards the sea and generally darker skies.

For a more dramatic setting, Tennyson Down offers an elevated view towards the Needles and an open western horizon.

However, it is exposed and uneven, with unfenced cliffs nearby, so anyone heading there should take extra care, particularly after dark.

Mottistone Down provides a wide panorama and darker skies away from the coast.

The tracks are uneven and unlit, so suitable footwear and a torch are recommended.

Chale Bay and the Military Road also provide views towards the south-west, but the cliffs in the area are subject to erosion. Stick to designated, set-back viewing areas and stay well away from cliff edges.

Before travelling, check parking, tides and local access arrangements, and allow plenty of time to get to your chosen viewing spot.

Don't Look Directly At The Sun

Even though the Moon will cover much of the Sun, it is not safe to look directly at the eclipse.

Looking at the Sun without suitable protection can cause permanent eye damage.

Use genuine eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer that complies with the ISO 12312-2:2015(E) safety standard.

There are also ways to watch the eclipse without looking towards the Sun.

A simple pinhole projector, a cereal-box viewer or even a colander can be used to project the shape of the eclipsed Sun onto a light surface.

If using a projection method, keep your back to the Sun.

Children should be closely supervised, with viewing equipment checked before the eclipse begins.

Another Spectacle Later Tonight

There's another reason for Islanders to keep their eyes on the skies tonight.

The annual Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak later this evening.

With a new Moon keeping the night sky relatively dark, conditions should be good for spotting meteors once it is fully dark.

The darker skies of the West Wight could offer some of the best opportunities.

Anyone planning to stay out late should prepare for cooler temperatures, uneven ground and limited lighting.