Where to see the 2015 solar eclipse
Occurring on March 20, 2015, the solar
eclipse will be the last seen in Europe for decades to come.
Although total eclipses, during which the
Moon totally blocks the light of the sun, can be seen somewhere on Earth every
year or two, they are very rarely seen in Europe, which is why there is
mounting excitement about the next total solar eclipse, on March 20 2015
Total eclipses occur when the Sun, the Moon
and the Earth are exactly lined up, so that the Moon's shadow reaches the
surface of the Earth. However, the main cone of shadow (the umbra) is only just
long enough to do this, and totality can be witnessed from only a very
restricted area of the Earth`s surface as the Moon’s shadow sweeps along a
narrow corridor known as the path of totality. To either side of this track
only a partial eclipse will be seen.
On 20 March 2015, the narrow track of
totality passes between Iceland and the Outer Hebrides, so nowhere in the
British Isles will witness totality itself, but a very significant partial
eclipse will be seen right across Scotland from a maximum of 93.2% in Edinburgh to over 97 per cent in the far north
and north-west of Scotland;
The eclipse will start from around 8.30 am with the maximum eclipse occurring around one hour later and the whole event lasting well over two hours.
Protect your vision
Looking at the sun is dangerous and can even
result in serious eye damage or blindness. The danger is not because of the
eclipse, it is dangerous to look at the sun at any time. You must always
protect your eyes during the partial eclipse. However, an eclipse of the sun
can be observed safely by following the Dos and Don’ts of the Solar Eclipse Safety Code
(printed copies available from the British Astronomical Association), but do
supervise children closely at all times.
Normally, by the time the sun is nearly
half covered, anyone standing near a tree or bush will be able to see tiny
crescent-shaped images on the ground around them. Gaps in the foliage act as
'pinhole cameras' and focus the images of the crescent sun. It is also possible
to make your own pinhole projector to observe the eclipse in safety.
A simple pinhole projector made with two
pieces of card.
Make a small neat hole in the middle of a
large piece of card and use it to "project" an image of the sun onto
another (preferably white) card screen positioned 1-2 metres away. Don't look
through the hole – look only at the projected image on the (white) card screen.
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Mainly aimed at small and large groups visiting Glasgow, Euro
Hostel Glasgow is investing in new Hostel Suites whcih have private changing
areas (with the all essential GHD straighteners!) and ensuites.
There is a shared luxury lounge with seating area, widescreen TV, personal fridge, free wifi, gaming facilities
and access to a 1st floor outdoor terrace
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