A partial solar eclipse will be visible from the United Kingdom on the 10th of June, 2021. The Moon will pass in front of the Sun, partially blocking it — depending on the observer’s location, it may cover the Sun’s disc by as much as 30%. To observe the eclipse, you will need a pair of eclipse glasses or special solar filters for your telescope.
Whilst such events are quite common on astronomical timescales, they are scarce during a human’s lifetime. Astronomers across the country will be eagerly anticipating good weather in the hope they might see it!
Partial solar eclipse as seen from the UK in March 2015 – image by Neill Sanders
Safely observing the eclipse
The partial eclipse should only be observed safely and properly with the right optical filters, and certainly not with just the naked eye.
It is essential to re-iterate that looking at the Sun is dangerous. The human eye is full of nerves that help us see; however, none of them enables us to feel pain when the Sun’s harmful rays damage them. Thus, it takes only a short moment when looking directly at sunlight for our eyes to be damaged irreparably, and it can lead to blindness.
To see the eclipse on the morning of the 10th of June, you will need a pair of eclipse glasses that enable you to look at the Sun safely. Before putting them on, be sure to check very carefully that they are not in any way damaged, especially when being handled by children.
The sun through solar glasses by Jason Howell/Unsplash
Using a telescope
When using a telescope, it MUST be equipped with a “white light filter”, the same material used in eclipse glasses, and correctly and securely attached to the end of the telescope where light enters. For this purpose a white light filter kit can be purchased online.
Solar telescopes, which are those that already contain special filters designed for observing the Sun, are the best option — although come at some expense.
Do not point your telescope at the Sun unless you are absolutely confident that you are doing so safely. If at all unsure then don’t do it! Contact your local Astronomical Society or Astronomy Club for advice.
Where to see the eclipse
When the eclipse occurs on 10th June at 10:00 BST, the Sun will be quite high in the sky, so it’s likely you will be able to observe the event without travelling too far, perhaps just far enough to escape nearby buildings or trees that might block the view. A list of public events appears below.
Eclipse times
The exact time of the eclipse will depend on your specific location; however, it will be very close to the below times. These are based on being located at Go Stargazing HQ in Darlington. You can find times for your location using the timeanddate.com website.
| Event |
Time |
View |
| First contact |
10:08 BST |
 |
| Maximum eclipse |
11:17 BST |
 |
| Last contact |
12:30 BST |
 |
Watch the eclipse live through our telescope!
Weather permitting we will be streaming live views of the eclipse via our public FaceBook page (no FaceBook login required).
List of June 10th 2021 solar eclipse public observing events
Here is a list of public observing events that we are aware of, where members of the public can observe the eclipse safely with experienced astronomers.
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