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Exact time you’ll get the best look at solar eclipse beginning in just minutes

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Exact time you’ll get the best look at solar eclipse beginning in just minutes

It's nearly time

Living in the UK can sometimes feel like you're witnessing a permanent solar eclipse, but this morning people across the country will be treated to the real thing.

It has been confirmed that on 29 March the UK will witness a partial solar eclipse, where the moon is expected to cover around 30 to 40 percent of the sun.

Just last year, more than 31 million people across the US, Mexico and Canada witnessed a historic full solar eclipse, leading to several minutes of total darkness.

It's already been confirmed the best spots you can be in across the UK to witness this morning's spectacle, so maybe make sure to at least open your curtains if you're living in the north west.

So, for those of you that have shook off last night's work drinks and are up and out of bed already, first of all congratulations and second of all, maybe step outside to enjoy this phenomenon which happens roughly just once a year.

This is only if you've got eclipse glasses to hand (ordinary sunglasses won't do) or can quickly fashion a pinhole camera to project the image of the sun onto the ground, of course.

It's rare to see the people of the United Kingdom unite on much these days, but hopefully we can all come together to enjoy the show from space.

Solar eclipse glasses are essential to view the event (Getty Stock Images)
Solar eclipse glasses are essential to view the event (Getty Stock Images)

For those of you who are holding out for a total eclipse in the UK, then the good news is that it's already in the diary. Make sure to make a note in your calendars to be outside on 23 September 2090 if you fancy seeing the whole thing.

It's a far better idea therefore to witness this morning's partial eclipse, which will only be visible for around two hours, so make sure you catch it before it is too late.

When you'll be able to see today's partial solar eclipse in the UK

For once, it seems as if the north has got a better deal than the south, as people living in the lofty heights of Scotland will have the best view, while those in Manchester and Leeds should also get a great view.

But fear not, if you're living in London it is still expected that you will see just less than 30 percent of the eclipse, which is surely worth getting out of bed for.

It is expected to begin at around 9.56am and last until 12.14pm, with those in the south enjoying a 'peak' shortly after 11am.

A partial solar eclipse in Hede-Bazouges, western France on 25 October 2022.
DAMIEN MEYER/AFP via Getty Images

The best times are as follows: Plymouth (10.57am), Cardiff (11am), Belfast (11.02am), London (11.03am), Manchester (11.04am) and Edinburgh (11.07am).

The UK also seemingly has one of the best views in Europe but it all relies upon the sun being visible, which given the usual rainy and cloudy conditions we are used to, might be tough on a March morning. So fingers crossed.

We Brits love Queen, so let's 'look up to the skies and see' this morning's solar eclipse. As long as the clouds don't ruin it, eh.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images

Topics: Space, Weather, Science