With a partial solar eclipse scheduled to take place this week, a Norfolk astronomer has warned people about the dangers of looking directly at the sun.
Thursday morning [June 10], sky watchers can see that nearly a third of the sun is covered by the moon in what is known as an annular solar eclipse.
But Mark Thompson, astronomy broadcaster, writer and host of BBC Stargazing Live, says people should be careful when trying to find one.
In Norfolk, one can see a partial solar eclipse at around 10:15 am.
Mr Thompson said: “It depends on where you are in England when you see it but in the Norfolk area it starts around 10.15am and ends around 12.30pm.
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“Astronomy usually does things at night, but that will happen on a clear day.
“If people miss this, the next chance to see a partial solar eclipse is in October 2022, next year.
“There is danger in observing a solar eclipse. The sun gives off a lot of energy, not only visible light, but also a lot of radiation that we can’t see. The real danger of a solar eclipse is that people are looking at the sun to see it, but it’s the worst thing you can do.
“You can damage your vision just by looking at the sun normally, but it gets worse when you look at it through binoculars or a telescope.”
A partial solar eclipse will grace the UK skies this week as the moon moves between the earth and the sun.
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Even if most of the solar disk is covered, viewing a partial solar eclipse without proper protection can cause serious and permanent damage to the eyes.
It is not recommended to look at the sun directly through sunglasses, binoculars, a telescope, or the telephoto lens of a single-lens reflex camera.
Safe ways to easily view a solar eclipse include using a simple pinhole camera projector, eclipse viewing glasses, or a special solar filter that fits into the telescope.
Mr. Thompson adds, “You can get eclipse glasses, but they tend to sell out quickly when an eclipse occurs. It is a thin piece of plastic with a very thin layer of aluminum on both sides.
“With it you can put it in your eye and look at the sun and it’s very safe. But what you can’t do with it is put it on and look through a telescope. You have to use them separately.”
Although Mr Thompson said this partial solar eclipse was not very significant, he said it was a great thing to see when you can.
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