Cornwall could experience a partial solar eclipse on Monday: full details

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely covers the sun, leaving just a bright shining ring around the circumference.

It gives the effect of being plunged into night time, during the middle of the day.

The last time the UK experienced a total eclipse was in August 1999, with Cornwall a prime viewing spot.

This time the main event is in North America, spanning from Mexico to the very eastern tip of Canada.

However, the west of the UK could get to experience a partial eclipse – with Cornwall in the zone of possibility.

Where will see the partial solar eclipse in the UK?





The moon’s full shadow will end in the Atlantic Ocean, around 620 miles (1,000 kilometres) from Cornwall.

It means that although missing out on a full eclipse, part of the sun may still be obscured by the moon’s shadow.

The BBC explains it as “if you draw a line from about Fowey in Cornwall to Berwick upon Tweed in Northumberland, then everything west of that line might just get a view of the moon biting the edge of the sun as it disappears over the horizon.”

A graphic showing where could experience a partial solar eclipse in the UK on Monday (Image: PA Graphics)

What time might it be visible in Cornwall?





The timing for the partial eclipse is tight. It may be visible from 7.55pm until sunset, which given that we’re still only in early spring means it may not be around for long before the sun dips below the horizon.

It is estimated that Cornwall may get to experience an element of darkness for somewhere between five minutes and 17 minutes.

What is the weather forecast for Monday evening?





Of course the weather will play a big part in how well Cornwall gets to experience a partial eclipse, if at all. If you can’t see the sun, you won’t see the shadow of the moon at all!

Unfortunately it’s not good news. The Met Office is currently forecasting a 50% chance of light rain in Land’s End, Cornwall’s most westerly point, from 7pm, and an 80% chance of heavy rain at 8pm.

There is also a yellow weather warning for wind in place from 6pm on Monday until 6am Tuesday – let’s hope it blows over those rain clouds!

The BBC is a little more optimistic, forecasting only a 25% chance of light rain showers, mixed with sun, at 7pm and a 68% chance at 8pm, for the same location.

How to see the partial eclipse safely

Should we be fortunate with the weather and the opportunity presents itself to see the moon’s shadow cross over the sun, it’s important not to look directly at it.

Speaking to the Press Association, Professor Don Pollacco, from the University of Warwick’s Department of Physics, said: “With no protection you will at best damage your eyes, or you could blind yourself.”

The eclipse in Cornwall in 1999 (Image: Falmouth Packet)

Experts say the eclipse can be viewed safely through real solar eclipse glasses – not 3D glasses, sunglasses or anything similar, which may be hard to come by in time for tomorrow evening, unless you happen to still have a pair kicking around from 1999.

The safest and cheapest way to view it is by pinhole projection. To do this make a hole in a piece of card, holding this under the sun, and then hold a piece of paper behind the card.

Using this method, people should be able to see the shape of the sun projected on to the paper, taking away the need to look directly at it.

How can I watch on TV or online?





A number of digital TV news channels are expected to show coverage of the total eclipse live.

The BBC is also offering coverage throughout the afternoon on its website, from 2pm, including a livestream of the event as it happens in the US and Canada.

When will the next eclipse be?





A total solar eclipse is said to occur somewhere on the earth roughly every 18 months or so.

The next total eclipse of the sun visible from the UK will not be until September 2090, according to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, although there will be one visible in northern Spain tracking up to Iceland in 2026.

Partial eclipses are more common, with the next one for the UK due on March 29 next year, when 30 to 40% of the sun is expected to be covered.