By Isle of Wight Observer
Islanders will have a rare chance to witness a dramatic solar eclipse on Wednesday (August 12), with the sun set to be almost completely obscured by the moon, as it sinks towards the horizon. The Isle of Wight will not experience a total eclipse, but the event will still produce one of the most spectacular celestial sights visible from the UK for many years. The next eclipse as striking will be in 2081, and the next total eclipse in 2090.
The eclipse will begin at 6.18pm on Wednesday, will reach its peak at 7.14pm, when around 93 per cent of the sun will be obscured, and the moon will move away from the sun at 8.07pm. Because the eclipse coincides with sunset, the spectacle is expected to be especially striking, with the fading daylight adding colour and atmosphere.
Clear views to West North West (WNW) will give the most complete views. Among the best vantage points, will be beaches in the West Wight, such as Totland and Colwell. Gurnard also provides a suitable wide sea horizon. The alternative is to head high to watch the open skies, Tennyson Down, Mottistone Down, and the Needles headland will give uninterrupted views across the Solent, but any location with a clean line of sight towards the WNW will allow Islanders to follow the eclipse from first contact to the final moments before sunset.
Please don’t forget safety; looking at the sun, even during an eclipse, can permanently damage your eyesight. Use ISO‑certified eclipse glasses to view the sun. Ordinary sunglasses, improvised filters, or unprotected optical equipment are not adequate.
The eclipse also arrives on the same night as the Perseid meteor shower. Once the sun has set, the Island’s elevated viewpoints will offer ideal conditions for meteor‑spotting that night.
Mal Butler