Britons told to view solar eclipse using colander to protect eyes

Britons are being urged to use a colander to watch the solar eclipse on 12 August, as the government warns against direct eye exposure. The partial solar eclipse will be visible across the United Kingdom, with varying levels of coverage depending on location. The moon will pass between the sun and Earth, reducing the amount of sunlight reaching the surface. The Royal Museums Greenwich, which operates the Royal Observatory, noted this will be the most complete solar eclipse since 1999. Residents in the South West are expected to witness the highest level of coverage, with approximately 95 percent of the sun obscured, while those in London will see around 90 percent blocked. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has advised the public on safe viewing methods, emphasizing that even brief exposure without proper protection can lead to irreversible eye damage. Experts warn that the reduced brightness during an eclipse can trick the body into looking directly at the sun, potentially harming the retina. This damage may go unnoticed initially, as it does not cause immediate discomfort. After the 1999 solar eclipse, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists recorded about 70 cases of visual issues, with roughly 40 percent of affected individuals gazing at the sun for under a minute. Ordinary sunglasses are insufficient for protecting the eyes during a solar eclipse, according to the UKHSA. Instead, individuals are recommended to use specially designed eclipse glasses that meet the international safety standards of ISO 12312-2 or ISO 12312-2:2015. These glasses must clearly display the relevant certification. Authorities caution against reusing previously used eclipse glasses, particularly if the lenses show signs of wear such as scratches or creases, as this could compromise their effectiveness. It is suggested that viewers purchase new pairs to ensure maximum safety. For those who do not have access to eclipse glasses, alternative methods include using a pinhole viewer or creating a pinhole projector with materials like a sheet of paper. The UKHSA also mentioned that a colander can serve as a makeshift pinhole projector, allowing viewers to observe the eclipse indirectly through the pattern of its holes. Similarly, the shadows cast by leaves on the ground can act as natural pinhole projectors, offering another safe method of observation. The Royal Observatory plans to livestream the solar eclipse on 12 August, providing real-time updates for viewers. In-person visibility begins in Scotland, with the initial phase of the eclipse, known as 'first contact,' occurring at 6.08 pm. This time shifts slightly across the country, with 'first contact' happening at 6.13 pm in Manchester and Liverpool, and at 6.17 pm in London, Bristol, and Cardiff. In Cornwall, the first contact is scheduled for 6.18 pm. The peak of the eclipse will vary between 7.05 pm and 7.16 pm, depending on the observer's location. The eclipse will conclude for all UK viewers by 8.10 pm.