All you need to know about tonight's solar eclipse - exact times and how to watch it safely
Rare lunar event in the UK this week, with South West England getting the best views
The biggest solar eclipse since 1999 will be visible in the UK this month, and consumers have been warned against using “knock-off” glasses to watch it.
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Eye doctors have urged Brits not to look directly at the sun when the event happens, putting the UK into its most extensive blackout for 27 years.
Experts have warned that so-called eclipse glasses that are being sold online do not carry the safety standards, or ordinary sunglasses, no matter how dark, should never be worn to view an eclipse.
The knock-off specs reduce glare, making it feel more comfortable to look at the Sun for longer, but still allow harmful solar radiation to reach the retina.
According to the Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG) the eclipse will be total for parts of Greenland, Iceland and Northern Spain.
What makes this an especially significant lunar event for the UK is that there will not be another full solar eclipse for another 64 years, in September 2090.
Here is what you need to know.
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When is the next solar eclipse in the UK?
The solar eclipse will be on Wednesday, August 12, and will begin at 6.17pm, with the maximum effect at 7.12pm, and it will end at 8.06pm.
More than 90% of the Sun will be obscured by the Moon between 6.17pm and 8.06pm on August 12, the most it has been blocked above UK skies since the total eclipse in 1999.
With a bit of luck, it will be a clear sky and not obstructed by clouds.
Mohamed Elalfy, a consultant ophthalmologist and president of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, said: “The safest way to enjoy the eclipse is to observe it indirectly, such as by watching a live broadcast.
“Looking directly at the Sun during a solar eclipse can cause damage to the retina, potentially damaging the cells responsible for sharp central vision.
“Crucially, the retina has no pain receptors, so people will not feel the damage as it happens.
“Symptoms may only become apparent several hours later and can include blurred vision, a central blind or dark spot, distorted vision, reduced colour perception and increased sensitivity to light.
“While some people recover over weeks or months, others can be left with permanent visual impairment.”
Where can the next eclipse be seen?
The eclipse will be visible for much of the UK, although it will be of differing strengths across the land.
The RMG said viewers in London will see 90% coverage, while viewers in Cornwall will see roughly 95%, and viewers in Pembrokeshire will see 94%.
At Lands' End, the maximum 97% can be seen.
For parts of Europe, this will be the first total eclipse since 1999 - although it will not be total in the UK.
The RMG said that anyone interested in viewing it should not look directly at the sun and should use special glasses to follow it. There is also a live stream on the RMG's website.
What was the 1999 solar eclipse, and why was it so special?
The 1999 solar eclipse was a total eclipse for the South West of England, and the first time since 1927 this was felt, while the next event will be in 2090.
It reached the state of total eclipse for about one minute from 11.13am on August 11.