People across Lancaster and Morecambe Bay are getting ready to view the fullest solar eclipse since 1999 but have been warned not to look directly at the sun.
On Wednesday evening, August 12, people in the UK and Ireland will see a partial solar eclipse, when around 90-96 per cent of the sun will be covered by the moon.
This will be the most coverage seen from the UK and Ireland since the 1999 solar eclipse, which was total from most of Cornwall and Devon.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the sun and earth, resulting in the sun’s light being blocked either partially or fully for viewers in certain locations on earth. A total eclipse occurs when the sun is fully covered by the moon.
The next total solar eclipse visible from the UK is due in 2090, with a 99 per cent eclipse due in 2081, so tonight's eclipse is the closest to total that the British Isles will see for quite some time.
Exact timings of the August 12 solar eclipse will vary around the UK and Ireland - with the south west expected to be the best place for viewing.
Viewers across Europe including France, Belgium, Switzerland and northern regions of Italy will also be able to see around 88-95 per cent coverage, while spectators in parts of Greenland, Iceland and Northern Spain will see a total eclipse, said Royal Museums Greenwich.
Lancaster and Morecambe Astronomical Society said that first contact in our area should be around 6.13pm with totality at around 7.10pm of around 90 per cent, with the eclipse finishing at around 8.03pm.
"You would benefit from a good western horizon as the eclipse progresses," said a post on the Lancaster and Morecambe Astronomical Society Facebook page.
"Do not look directly at the sun, especially through any optical device such as binoculars or telescope. Use a projected image or other safe viewing practice."
Lancaster photographer Joshua Brandwood (below) has echoed the safety concerns.
"If you're planning to photograph Wednesday's solar eclipse, do not deliberately point a camera or mobile phone directly at the sun unless you have appropriate solar-filtering equipment," said Mr Brandwood.
"A standard UV/protective filter is not a solar filter and does not provide adequate protection.
"The UK will experience a partial solar eclipse, even at maximum eclipse, the sun will not be completely covered anywhere in the UK. The remaining portion of the sun is still intensely bright.
"Never look directly at the sun through a camera, phone, binoculars or other optical device. Doing so can cause permanent eye damage. A phone screen is not a substitute for safe solar viewing.
"Concentrated sunlight can potentially damage camera sensors and other components. This applies to dedicated cameras and, depending on the device and how it is used, mobile-phone cameras too.
"If you want to photograph the eclipse, use equipment specifically designed for solar photography/viewing and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Do not rely on an ordinary UV filter, sunglasses or improvised filters.
"Please don't risk your eyesight or your expensive camera/phone for a photograph."
People are also advised to use special eclipse glasses which block out the sun's harmful rays and enable you to look at the eclipse safely with your own eyes.
Special eclipse glasses provided by the George's Telescope appeal. Photo: Brucciani's Morecambe.
Regular sunglasses are not safe to use, as they don’t have adequate UV protection to protect your eyesight.
Morecambe Promenade is expected to be a popular viewing spot for the eclipse.
Brucciani of Morecambe, the long-standing and popular ice cream business on Marine Road Central, has been providing eclipse glasses while taking donations from customers for George's Telescope Appeal.
Hundreds of glasses were provided by the appeal, raising £640.65 towards the campaign.
"A massive thank you to everyone who made a donation!" said a post on the Brucciani Morecambe Facebook page.
"We have raised £640.65 for the George Telescope Charity. The donation box remains on the counter for anyone wishing to contribute.
"Unfortunately we are all out of eclipse glasses.
"The solar eclipse will take place this Wednesday the 12th August between 7:05pm and 7:13pm. The coverage is 90-96 per cent, we are hoping it will be a beautiful sunset solar eclipse over Morecambe Bay!"
George Higginson, known as Overton's Little Scientist, died in 2009 after a road traffic accident, aged 10.
A fundraising campaign has been held to build an observatory at Williamson Park, Lancaster, in his memory.
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