As you might have heard, there’s a partial solar eclipse happening tomorrow across the UK—assuming the skies are clear (we’re looking at you, Leeds!). This is a rare event that won’t happen again until 2026, so it’s definitely worth catching if possible.

What Exactly Is a Partial Solar Eclipse?

A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, but not in perfect alignment. As a result, only part of the Sun is covered by the Moon. Even though it’s called “partial,” many people in the UK will experience a noticeable darkening of the sky during the peak moment of the eclipse, when the Moon appears to take a big bite out of the Sun.

How Can You Watch It Safely?

Looking directly at the Sun—even for a few seconds—is extremely dangerous and can cause permanent eye damage. That’s why it’s important to use proper protective equipment. While special solar viewing glasses are available, they can be expensive and, as it turns out, completely sold out. It's quite an unusual business model, selling something that’s only useful every couple of decades!

An excellent alternative is to make your own pinhole projector. Not only is this a fun and educational project, but it’s also completely free and safe. All you need is a cardboard tube, some aluminum foil, a piece of paper, and a sharp object like a pin or knife.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Find a long cardboard tube—something like a postal tube works well (our example is 1250mm x 152mm).
2. Remove the plastic cap from one end and cover the opening with a piece of aluminum foil.
3. Poke a small hole in the center of the foil using a pin.
4. On the opposite end of the tube, cut a small viewing hole near the edge.
5. Place a white sheet of paper inside the tube, just behind the viewing hole, and replace the cap.
6. Point the end with the pinhole toward the Sun, and look through the viewing hole at the paper. You’ll see a small image of the Sun projected onto the paper.
7. Important: Never look directly through the pinhole at the Sun. Always watch the projection on the paper.

You can even do this with two pieces of paper. Punch a small hole in one, hold it up to the Sun, and place the second sheet of paper a short distance away. The image of the Sun will appear on the second sheet through the pinhole. It’s a simple but effective way to view the eclipse safely.

We always say that packaging can be reused for more than just its original purpose—and this is a perfect example!

When Will the Eclipse Happen?

Now that you know how to watch it safely, let’s talk about timing. The eclipse will begin at different times depending on where you are in the UK. In some areas, it starts around 8:20 AM, while in others, it may begin as late as 8:40 AM.

The maximum phase of the eclipse—when the Moon covers the most of the Sun—will occur between 9:22 AM and 9:41 AM. If you're in the Scottish Highlands or northern England, you'll see the most dramatic effect, with up to 98% of the Sun covered. In southern locations like Bournemouth or Portsmouth, the coverage will be slightly less, around 86–89%.

By around 10:45 AM, the eclipse will be over. Perfect timing for a cup of tea—or maybe a nap after all that stargazing!

So grab your homemade viewer, find a good spot, and enjoy this amazing natural phenomenon. Just remember: safety first, and never look directly at the Sun. Have a great time watching the eclipse!

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