West Country to see best solar eclipse in nearly three decades

People across the West Country will get their best view of a solar eclipse in nearly three decades when up to 95% of the sun disappears behind the moon on 12 August.

The rare celestial event will be the most dramatic eclipse visible from the UK since 1999. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are expected to see some of the best views anywhere in the UK, with 95% of the sun obscured. Bristol, Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire will see around 90% coverage.

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the sun and Earth, blocking the sun's light either partially or fully. While the UK will miss out on a total eclipse, astronomers say this will be the most impressive solar eclipse visible from Britain since the much-remembered event of August 1999.

The eclipse will begin at 18:17 BST, with maximum eclipse occurring at 19:12 BST. The next full solar eclipse in the UK isn't expected for another 66 years, on 23 September 2090, according to Royal Museums Greenwich.

Gilbert