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Thousands Gather to Witness Rare Solar Eclipse in Ireland
The eclipse will be the UK and Ireland’s biggest sun cover since 1999, and experts say certified eclipse glasses are needed to prevent eye damage.
Today, observers will witness the greatest sun cover in decades across the North East. Viewers in Durham and Newcastle see peak visibility at 7:07pm, while Middlesbrough peaks at 7:08pm.
High vantage points including Newcastle Town Moor, Weardale and Teesdale moorland, Hadrian Wall, and Teesside's Roseberry Topping offer optimal viewing. Tonight's celestial event is a once-in-a-generation spectacle, with the next notable eclipse not expected until 2081.
Certified eclipse glasses meeting the international ISO 12312-2 safety standard are essential for safe viewing. Experts warn that Homemade alternatives like X-ray film or Regular sunglasses provide insufficient protection against harmful ultraviolet and infrared radiation.
Kyla Black, director of optical practice at Boots Opticians, warned: "Even when most of the sun is covered, it is never safe to look directly at it with the naked eye." Looking without protection risks permanent retinal damage.
Anyone lacking Certified eyewear should watch a livestream instead of viewing directly. Parents must supervise children, while Observers using cameras, telescopes, or binoculars must employ Certified solar filters to prevent permanent damage to lenses and eyesight.