'Best solar eclipse' in nearly 30 years hits UK in August - here's how to spot it

'Best solar eclipse' in nearly 30 years hits UK in August - here's how to spot it The UK is set to witness the 'best solar eclipse' in 27 years in just a couple of weeks' time, and here's everything you need to know about how to make sure you don't miss it Mark your calendars, as something spectacular is heading our way. Skygazers across the UK are in for a treat this summer, with experts hailing an upcoming solar eclipse as the finest we've had in nearly three decades. A solar eclipse happens when the moon moves between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow that blocks out sunlight either partially or completely. These events aren't necessarily as rare as you might think - somewhere on Earth, they occur two to five times a year, with total solar eclipses happening roughly every 18 months globally. However, seeing one from your own back garden is a very different matter. That's because a total solar eclipse only passes over the same spot on Earth once every 360 to 410 years. So if you get to witness even one in your lifetime without travelling the world in pursuit of them, consider yourself truly lucky. The last time the UK experienced a total eclipse was back in August 1999 - and even then, only Cornwall and pockets of Devon were treated to the full blackout. Everyone else had to make do with a partial view. Now, the next golden opportunity is almost upon us. On 12 August this year, the UK will experience a deep partial solar eclipse, with the moon set to blot out a stunning 90% of the sun. It won't be a total eclipse, as we'll have to wait until 2090 for that, but it will be the most impressive eclipse British skies have seen in 27 years. How to spot the partial solar eclipse Daisy Dobrijevic, Skywatching Editor at Space.com, has shared a handy guide on Instagram to help Brits get the most out of the event. According to Daisy, the eclipse will get underway at approximately 6pm BST, building to its dramatic peak, when the sun will be at its most obscured, at around 7pm BST. Things will wrap up by about 8pm BST, though she points out that exact timings will vary slightly depending on where you are in the country. One key thing to bear in mind is that because the eclipse falls in the evening, the sun will be sitting low in the sky as it unfolds. That means you'll need an unobstructed view towards the west to stand the best chance of catching it. As Daisy puts it: "Because it happens in the evening, the sun will be low to the west, so try to find somewhere with a clear view of the western horizon." She also had a very important safety reminder. Even when the moon is covering the vast majority of the sun, the remaining light is still powerful enough to cause lasting damage to your eyes. Certified solar eclipse glasses are an absolute must - not just for a quick peek, but for the entire duration of the event. "Remember, you'll need certified solar eclipse glasses for the entire eclipse," Daisy stressed. "It's never safe to look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. Hopefully, we'll all get clear skies." How to watch an eclipse safely If you're going to watch the eclipse in person, you must make sure you have special eclipse glasses that will block out the sun's harmful rays and allow you to look at the eclipse safely. Regular sunglasses are not safe to use, as they don't have adequate UV protection for looking directly at the sun. According to Royal Museums Greenwich, you must have glasses that have safety certification 'ISO 12312-2' or 'ISO 12312-2:2015' printed somewhere on them. Be careful if you are reusing old glasses, as they may not be safe, especially if the lenses are scratched or creased. If you don't fancy travelling to find somewhere to watch the eclipse in person, you can also watch the Royal Observatory's live stream on 12th August, which will be broadcasting a free, live feed of the eclipse from London. This will be the deepest partial eclipse visible from the UK and Ireland since the total eclipse of 1999. If you happen to be travelling to Greenland, Iceland or northern Spain around that time, you're in for an even bigger spectacle - those regions will experience full totality. Even for those of us watching from home, the effects will be noticeable. Royal Museums Greenwich says the partial eclipse will trigger a drop in temperature and a dimming of the light, though don't expect the sky to go fully dark. As they explain on their website: "At the maximum, enough of the Sun will be covered to make a noticeable difference in the temperature and light levels. However, unlike with a total eclipse, the sky will not become dark - it will feel more like a cloudy day or close to dusk or dawn." So dust off those eclipse glasses, scout out a spot with a clear western horizon, and get ready - 12th August could be one of the most memorable evenings of the year.