A RUSH-hour eclipse of the sun is set to bring an unmissable astronomical spectacle to the UK this week that will not be repeated for another decade.

The near-total solar eclipse is expected to bring out hundreds of sky-watchers eager to witness the phenomenon as the Moon moves in front of the Sun on Friday.

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But the rare lunar phenomenon could be ruined by a more common one – clouds.

The Met Office predicts cloud will cover East Lancashire at the time of the eclipse.

A spokesman said: “Friday is likely to be cloudier, breezy but dry, with temperatures closer to average.”

In East Lancashire, the eclipse will start at 8.27am, be at its peak at 9.33am, and end at 10.42am.

Although it is not a total eclipse, only around ten per cent of the Sun will still be visible.

Peter Drew from the Astronomy Centre, based above Todmorden, said: “The Astronomy Centre will be open to visitors from 8.30am to view the eclipse if it’s clear.

“We will be operating several specialist telescopes to show the Sun in white light and hydrogen-alpha and will also be distributing safety glasses for safe naked eye use.”

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 school 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.

The Royal Astronomical Society has produced a booklet on how to view the eclipse safely.

Popular methods involve making a pin-hole viewer from pieces of card or a cereal box that acts like a lens.

The last solar eclipse of such significance occurred on August 11, 1999, and was ‘total’, with 100 per cent of the Sun covered, when seen from Cornwall.

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