Rare Solar eclipse to grace over UK tomorrow, with clear skies forecast
For skywatchers, a partial solar eclipse visible across the United Kingdom on March 29, 2025 will be a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. About one-third of the Sun will be veiled during this phenomena as the Moon passes in front of it. The event starts at about 9:56 AM BST, peaks at about 11:03 AM BST in London, and ends at 12:14 PM BST.
From Europe, this marks the last partial solar eclipse that will be seen 2025. September will see the only other occurrence of such an event observable over New Zealand and Antarctica.
Best Locations and Times to View the Eclipse in the UK
Geographic location will affect the degree of visibility for the eclipse. While London and southern portions of England will see about 30% of the Sun covered, northern areas of Scotland and Northern Ireland are predicted to see over 40% of it.
The approximate timeframes for many UK areas are provided below:
| Location | Eclipse Begins | Maximum Eclipse | Eclipse Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | 09:56 AM BST | 11:03 AM BST | 12:14 PM BST |
| Manchester | 09:58 AM BST | 11:06 AM BST | 12:16 PM BST |
| Edinburgh | 09:59 AM BST | 11:07 AM BST | 12:17 PM BST |
| Belfast | 10:00 AM BST | 11:09 AM BST | 12:19 PM BST |
| Cardiff | 09:57 AM BST | 11:04 AM BST | 12:15 PM BST |
Weather Forecast for March 29, 2025
According to the most recent UK Met Office projections, most of England and Wales will have clear sky, which would provide perfect viewing conditions for the eclipse. But Scotland and Northern Ireland, among the greatest places to see the event given better coverage percentages, can have cloud cover and rain.
Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon underlined a weather divergence over the United Kingdom:
- Northern UK (Scotland, Northern Ireland): Increased chances of rain and overcast skies, potentially obstructing visibility.
- Southern UK (England, Wales): Breaks in the cloud are expected, allowing for a clearer view of the eclipse.
- Temperature Predictions: A peak of 17°C is anticipated in the southeast of England, while northern regions may reach highs of 14°C.
How to Safely Observe the Solar Eclipse
Watching a solar eclipse calls for careful protection of eye health. Directly staring at the Sun—even during an eclipse—can seriously harm eyes. Our advised safety precautions are:
- Use Certified Eclipse Glasses: Ensure your viewing glasses meet ISO 12312-2 safety standards.
- Pinhole Projection: A simple pinhole projector allows indirect observation without risk.
- Solar Filters for Telescopes and Binoculars: If using optical devices, always equip them with proper solar filters.
- Live Streams: In case of unfavorable weather, many observatories and institutions will broadcast the event online.
Other Notable Astronomical Events in 2025
Beyond this partial solar eclipse, 2025 will feature a number of other amazing celestial phenomena including:
- April 8, 2025: Total solar eclipse visible in North America, covering large portions of the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
- September 2025: Another partial solar eclipse, primarily visible in New Zealand and Antarctica.
- Increased Northern Lights Activity: The Sun remains in its solar maximum phase, increasing the frequency of auroral displays in the UK.
For skywatchers all throughout the United Kingdom, the partial solar eclipse scheduled for March 29, 2025, offers a singular opportunity. Although visibility depends much on the weather, residents in southern England have perhaps the best prospects of seeing the event. Safe viewing depends on appropriate eye protection; so, in case of bad weather, other viewing techniques like live streaming should be taken under consideration.
