The UK’s biggest solar eclipse in almost 30 years is now just two weeks away, with Torbay set to enjoy one of the best views in the country.
On Wednesday (12 August) the Moon will move across the Sun and cover around 95% of it when viewed from Cornwall.
Daylight will noticeably dim as the eclipse reaches its peak, although the sky will not become completely dark.
The rare spectacle will be followed just hours later by the peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower, creating an extraordinary evening for skywatchers.
When is it happening
The partial solar eclipse will be visible across the UK on Wednesday 12 August. The exact timings for Torquay are as follows:
6.18pm – The eclipse begins as the Moon makes first contact with the Sun.
7.15pm – The eclipse reaches its peak in Torquay , with around 95% of the Sun covered by the Moon.
8.09pm -The eclipse ends in Torquay as the Moon completely moves away from the Sun.
Where can I see the solar eclipse
The eclipse will be visible to varying degrees across the whole of the UK.
Plymouth and Torquay will enjoy some of the best views, with around 95% coverage compared with approximately 90% in London.
The Sun will be low in the sky, so find a high and open location with a clear view towards the western horizon.
Whether the eclipse can be seen will ultimately depend on cloud cover.
There will be an epic meteor shower right after
Just hours after the eclipse ends, the annual Perseid meteor shower will reach its peak.
Up to 150 shooting stars an hour could be visible under perfect dark-sky conditions.
The best time to watch will be between midnight and 5.30am from somewhere dark and away from streetlights.
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