Don't go inside after solar eclipse or you'll miss second breathtaking event

Don't go inside after solar eclipse or you'll miss second breathtaking event The UK is set to experience the best solar eclipse since 1999 today, but there's another astronomical event happening later tonight that you don't want to miss either Tonight is shaping up to be one of the most extraordinary evenings for stargazers in living memory – and if you only step outside for the solar eclipse, you'll be selling yourself seriously short. Britain hasn't seen a solar eclipse quite like this one since 1999. This evening, the moon will block out roughly 90% of the sun, with the partial eclipse getting underway just after 6pm and the dramatic peak – when the sun is at its most hidden – arriving just after 7pm. Exact times for when the eclipse hits will depend on where you are in the country, and you can find out when it passes your postcode with our tracker. It's a breathtaking sight in its own right, but the real magic begins once the sun goes down. The Perseid meteor shower is hitting its absolute peak tonight, 12th August, and the timing couldn't be more perfect. Space enthusiast Ricky D'Costa, who has built up a loyal following on TikTok by sharing eye-opening facts about the universe, is urging people to resist the temptation to head back indoors once the eclipse wraps up. Speaking in a viral video, he explained why this particular night stands apart from any other. He said: "As soon as darkness falls on Wednesday, August 12th, which is when the UK is going through a solar eclipse, the peak of the Perseid meteor shower will begin. But here's why this specific night is so special. "Because the solar eclipse happens during a new moon, there is going to be zero moonlight in the night sky. In total darkness, you should be able to see about 100 of these meteor showers, or shooting stars, every hour. So grab a blanket and your friends, and make sure to stay outside after 8pm and witness this once-in-a-lifetime event." Royal Museums Greenwich describes the Perseid meteor shower as one of the finest astronomical displays the night sky has to offer between July and August each year. The shower itself has been active since around 17th July and runs through to 24th August, but tonight represents the undisputed sweet spot for catching meteors at their most frequent and dazzling. What makes tonight truly exceptional, as Ricky points out, is the complete absence of moonlight. Because the eclipse occurs during a new moon phase, the sky will be as dark as it gets – and that means far more shooting stars will be visible to the naked eye than on a typical night. This combination of circumstances won't come around again for a very long time. The next time the Perseid peak lines up with a new moon isn't expected until 2045 – a wait of nearly 20 years. So while you might get the chance to spot another one in your lifetime, it's very rare. How to see the Perseid meteor shower For the best possible experience, get away from the glow of town centres and busy roads. Going to a local park or driving out to the countryside will make a considerable difference to how many meteors you can pick out. Once you've found your spot, give your eyes a full 15 minutes to adjust to the dark – and yes, that means putting your phone down, too. You won't need any specialist equipment to enjoy the display. Binoculars and telescopes are actually more of a hindrance than a help when it comes to meteor showers, since they narrow your field of vision. Meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, so seeing as much of the open sky above you as possible is ideal. How to safely watch the solar eclipse If you're planning to catch the eclipse earlier in the evening, ensure you never look directly at the sun, even when it is partially covered. The risks to your eyesight are severe. Purpose-made solar eclipse glasses with proper UV protection are essential – though be warned, stock has already sold out across Amazon and other major retailers. If you missed out on getting eclipse glasses, don't worry. You can put together a simple pinhole projector at home using a cardboard box and a piece of kitchen foil, which will let you watch the eclipse safely. Other ways to watch the eclipse You can watch the solar eclipse safely from your sofa via Royal Observatory Greenwich, which will be livestreaming the event using one of its modern telescopes. Coverage will begin on YouTube and Facebook at 6.10pm. According to the website, there are no plans to livestream the Perseid meteor shower, so you will need to try and spot that yourself once the sun goes down tonight.