Where to watch today's solar eclipse in Hastings and Bexhill
On Wednesday August 12 Britain is set to see a major solar eclipse, the likes of which haven't been seen in a generation.
It will be the biggest solar eclipse seen from the UK since 1999, with the moon covering between 90% and 96% of the Sun, depending on where you are.
in Hastings and Rother, there will be a 93 percent eclipse lasting from 6:18pm to 8:08pm, with the maximum eclipse taking place at 7:14pm, causing the sky to become eerily dim. There won't be another partial eclipse this deep until 2050
The best place to watch locally in Hastings is the Ladies Parlour, on the West Hill, opposite Hastings Castle, which affords a good view of the sunset along with panoramic views across the town and sea.
In the Bexhill area Galley Hill is a top viewing spot, as is the terrace of the De La Warr Pavilion. A local astronomical group will be setting up on Bexhill Colonnade.
A spokesperson from a Sussex astronomical association explained: “An eclipse happens when the moon passes in front of the sun from our point of view. The moon is 400 times smaller than the sun but is 400 times closer so they are similar in angular size – causing total solar eclipses.”
If you are planning on watching the eclipse on Wednesday, there are some safety issues to be aware of. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which covers public health issues, primarily in England, has issued an alert warning people not to look directly at the sun, even during an eclipse as it could cause permanent eye-damage and even complete loss of vision. They say people wanting to watch should use eclipse glasses and make sure they are genuine with specially designed filters that meet the international safety standard." The glasses should have a safety certification printed somewhere on them. These include the codes: 'ISO 12312-2' or 'ISE 12312-2:2015'.
Normal sunglasses will not afford adequate protection.