A total solar eclipse will plunge much of North America into darkness today (April 8), turning the day skies into night – but will it be visible in Lancashire?

The cosmic event will see flares of the sun’s corona appear like a diamond ring in the sky.

As the Earth is plunged into darkness, planets and comets may even be visible to the naked eye, and the eclipse could disrupt communications back on Earth.

A total solar eclipse happens when the moon completely covers the sun, and observers are within the darkest part of the moon’s shadow.

Areas covered by partial shade witness a partial eclipse, and this is what some lucky skygazers might see in the UK on April 8.

The path of the total eclipse will end west of Ireland, but after sunset around 20 per cent to 30 per cent of the sun will be obscured by the Moon.

Professor Don Pollacco, from the University of Warwick’s Department of Physics, said that from Glasgow about 12 per cent of the sun will be obscured at around 8pm (BST).

Under clear conditions, people in Edinburgh could see a six per cent obscuration.

Dr Edward Bloomer, senior astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, said the UK is only going to get “a small grazing” of the eclipse in the west and north of the country.

Professor Pollacco said: “The totality track ends in the Atlantic hundreds of miles west of Ireland at sunset.

“Going west the obscuration is greater, east less. Either way you will need some eye protection.”

Unfortunately, Lancashire is not set to see a lot of the eclipse. According to timeanddate.com, people in the county could see a 0.37 per cent obscuration from 7.55pm until sunset.

According to the Met Office, the weather is also against us as cloud and rain are forecast for Lancashire.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “From a weather perspective there will be cloud and rain pushing through your area today, at the time around sunset you’ll be right on the southern edge of where the rain is pushing through so you might just get into some clearer skies, however cloud and rain to the west of you will likely obstruct sunset.”

Four of the best spots in Lancashire to see the solar eclipse

 

1.Clitheroe Castle: Clitheroe Castle is located in the heart of the Ribble Valley and is one of the best places for spotting cosmic events in East Lancashire. With its elevated position, the castle offers an uninterrupted view of the night sky, and it's a popular spot for local astronomy groups. The castle often hosts stargazing events, so be sure to check their website for upcoming dates.

2. Pendle Hill: Pendle Hill is a popular spot for hiking and walking, but it's also a great place for stargazing and looking at an eclipse. The hill offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, and on a clear night, you can see the Milky Way and other celestial wonders. Just be sure to bring warm clothing, as it can get chilly at the top.

3. Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty: Light pollution from the county's urban sprawl means there is diminishing territory where astronomers can catch astronomical events.

Bowland has no fewer than five officially designated 'Dark Skies' spots across the forest - Beacon Fell Country Park, Gisburn Forest Hub, Slaidburn village car park, the Crook o’ Lune Picnic Site and Clerk Laithe Lodge guest house at Newton-in-Bowland.

4. Tockholes Plantation: Tockholes Plantation is a woodland area located just outside of Blackburn that is perfect for seeing an eclipse. The plantation is far away from the city lights, and it offers a dark and peaceful atmosphere for watching the sky. It's a great spot for a quiet night out with friends or family, and there are several hiking trails in the area for daytime exploration.