Starwatch: Deep partial solar eclipse in UK to precede the Perseids
The eclipse will begin just after 6pm on 12 August, reaching its maximum just over an hour later The annual Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak this week on the night of 12-13 August, and this year comes with an added bonus. Earlier on 12 August, a deep partial solar eclipse will be visible across the UK. The partial solar eclipse begins shortly after 6pm BST and reaches its maximum at around…
On 12 August, the United Kingdom will witness a rare deep partial solar eclipse, preceding the annual Perseids meteor shower. The celestial event will commence just after 6pm BST, with the sun being 90% obscured from most parts of the country. This marks the deepest solar eclipse visible in the UK since 1999. At its peak, the eclipse will reach its maximum around 7.13pm BST.
The low position of the sun in the western sky throughout the event makes it crucial to choose a location with an unobstructed horizon. However, it remains a critical reminder that direct viewing of the sun during a solar eclipse without proper eye protection is hazardous. Eclipse glasses or a telescope/binoculars with a proper filter are essential safety measures.
Post sunset and before dawn, the moon and sun will set, creating a moonless night perfect for observing the Perseids. This meteor shower occurs when Earth traverses a stream of dust left behind by Comet Swift–Tuttle, with each particle burning up in our atmosphere at an astounding speed of 60 kilometers per second, resulting in a brief, dazzling flash of a shooting star.
Written by urgent.news from Guardian Science's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
