An annular solar eclipse is going to thrill skywatchers in some areas of the Northern Hemisphere on Saturday, Oct. 14. The spectacular expression of this event is when the Moon partially covers the solar disk, creating a beautiful crescent shape. This partial alignment is not as dramatic as a total eclipse. The Moon’s shadow will not reach Earth’s surface, so no one on Earth will witness a total eclipse. That’s a natural phenomenon you can see all over the country. Catch it in the sky over the UK, western Europe, across Greenland, and over north-west Africa and north-east North America!
The eclipse occurs from 8:50 AM to 12:43 PM GMT. This is your best chance to see the peak visibility, at 10:47 AM GMT. Observers across northeastern Canada and Greenland will be in the path of totality, and will have the best view of this celestial event. For eclipse-chasers in the UK, you’ll see up to 30% or even 40% of the Sun obscured. Unfortunately, the routes though are fairly limited with the best viewing spots being in the north-western parts of Northern Ireland and western Scotland.
Florent Deleflie, an expert in astronomical observations, was the first to characterize this event.
“The alignment is not perfect enough for the cone of shadow to touch the Earth’s surface,” – Florent Deleflie
This misalignment leads to an asymmetric eclipse for viewers on earth. For many, they will witness the Sun’s shimmering edges as a crescent and not experience a total eclipse. The eclipse will affect various locations differently. The UK version of the event launches this Saturday at 10 am local time and goes until noon. Consider that its effect will be different depending on where you are located around the country.
Enthusiasts from all over Europe, northeastern North America and northwest Africa will be given the same opportunity to experience this once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. Whether it’s a solar eclipse or meteor shower, the event is always a captivating look at the universe. Those of us in the UK hoping for a total solar eclipse will have to wait until 2090. In the same vein, don’t miss the next total solar eclipse, expected in August 2026 over much of Europe, including the north of Spain.
“There will not be a total eclipse anywhere,” – Florent Deleflie
“At most, the Moon will cover around 90 percent of the Sun’s disc.” – Florent Deleflie
In terms of visibility, Jake Foster from the Royal Observatory in Greenwich shares insights on experiencing this partial solar eclipse.
Foster adds that unlike a total eclipse, where noticeable changes like darkening or cooling occur, a partial eclipse requires active observation to appreciate its effects fully.
“The thing is, with a partial solar eclipse like this [with] around 30-40% of the sun being blocked, if you’re not looking up, you wouldn’t really notice the difference,” – Jake Foster
Foster’s suggestions to those looking to view this historic celestial event include protective equipment to keep you safe.
“In a partial solar eclipse, you’re unlikely to notice it getting any darker or any colder in the same way you would during a total eclipse. You really do have to be observing it to really see its effects.” – Jake Foster
Or, as Triple A’s Sophia Murray recommends, a simpler, safer way to experience the show.
“If people want to directly view it, to actually look up at the sun, they are going to need a pair of solar eclipse glasses or a solar viewer,” – Jake Foster
A partial solar eclipse provides the perfect backdrop for individuals and families to deepen their appreciation for the wonders of our solar system. As Foster notes,
“Make a simple pinhole projector by poking a small hole in a piece of paper or cardboard and letting sunlight pass through it onto the ground or another surface, where you’ll see a small, inverted image of the eclipsed sun,” – Sophie Murray
The partial solar eclipse offers an opportunity for people to connect with the wonders of our solar system. As Foster notes,
“These eclipses, whether they be partial or total, it is effectively watching the clockwork of the solar system in action,” – Jake Foster