Excitement builds ahead of rush-hour solar eclipse

The last solar eclipse of such significance occurred on August 11, 1999. Credit: Matthew Fearn/PA Wire

A rush-hour eclipse of the Sun is expected to bring out hundreds of sky-watchers eager to witness the phenomenon on Friday.

But experts have warned of the real danger of permanent damage to vision if people fail to take the necessary precautions.

Children, who will be starting their school day during the eclipse, could be especially at risk. Looking directly at the Sun even if most of it is obscured can result in the retina being burned.

Around the UK the proportion of the Sun covered by the Moon will increase towards the north:

The timing of the eclipse will also vary. In London, the eclipse begins at 8.24am, reaches its maximum extent at 9.31am, and ends at 10.41am.

For observers in Edinburgh, the eclipse starts at 8.30am and peaks at 9.35 am.

The last solar eclipse of such significance occurred on August 11, 1999, and was "total" - with 100% of the Sun covered - when seen from Cornwall.

Another "deep" partial eclipse visible in the UK will not occur until August 12, 2026, and the next total eclipse not until September 2090.