Solar Eclipse 2024: UK Left Disappointed by Rainy Weather
THE solar eclipse proved to be a total let down for stargazers in the UK – thanks to the British weather. Cloudy conditions meant the view was marred for millions, while those in the US were left starry-eyed.
Best Place to See the Partial Solar Eclipse in the UK: Stornoway in Western Isles
In England the partial solar eclipse started at 7.54pm and lasted until 8.06pm. While Scots were able to view it two minutes earlier, lasting until 8.51pm. Those in Northern Ireland were able to see it from 7.54pm but lasted until 8.21pm. Those in Wales could see it from 7.55pm, lasting less than 10 minutes though, until 8.04pm.
Partial Solar Eclipse in North America: A Rare Total Solar Eclipse
Skygazers in the US, Canada, and Mexico though got to glimpse a rare total solar eclipse, where the moon blocks the sun from view causing almost four-and-a-half minutes of complete darkness. But things on this side of the pond weren’t quite so dramatic. A less dramatic partial eclipse appeared over some parts of the UK and Ireland.
Partial Solar Eclipse Views Across the UK and Ireland
But the British weather dampened any excitement as cloud and rain in several key viewing points spoiled the spectacle. Stornoway was the best place in the UK to see an eclipse of the sun. People in parts of the UK were able to see a partial solar eclipse, as the final moments of the total eclipse in North America were visible.
What is a Total Solar Eclipse? How Much of the Sun Will be Covered?
A total solar eclipse happens when the moon completely covers the sun, and observers are within the darkest part of its shadow. Areas covered by partial shade witness a partial eclipse, and this is what some sky-gazers might have seen in the UK tonight, depending on cloud cover.
Second Chance to Catch a Partial Eclipse: March 2025
For Brits there is a second chance to catch a partial eclipse which is only a year away. In March 2025, between 30 and 40 per cent of the sun’s rays are predicted to be blocked. Sadly, there aren’t any rare total eclipses visible from the UK anytime soon though, with the next expected all the way in 2090 – the last time it happened was in 1999.