People in Scotland could get the best view of a solar eclipse in nearly three decades on Wednesday - although hopes of a clear sighting are fading in some parts of the country. Up to 95% of the Sun will slowly disappear behind the Moon in the most dramatic eclipse visible from the UK since August 1999. But clouds in some areas are threatening to obscure the celestial event, which is set to last about two hours.
Here is what you need to know about the partial solar eclipse, including the best places to watch it in Scotland and how to do so safely. It is important to never look directly at the Sun. Millions anticipate once-in-a-generation solar eclipse - follow live August 1999 - Eclipse lightens Scotland's day Astronomers say the best place to see the eclipse is an elevated location with unobstructed views to the west.
Astronomer Royal for Scotland Prof Catherine Heymans said: "People in England are worried about having to find a clear view of the western horizon. "But that is less of a problem for us in Scotland because the Sun sets later." That means in general the Sun should be higher in the sky in Scotland at the time of the eclipse, and people will be able to see the event more clearly. And by the time the Sun sets after approximately 21:00, the event will be well and truly over.
According to Heymans, the Moon will start to move in front of the Sun between about 18:01 and . The peak of the eclipse will occur about an hour later, with the whole event ending just before 20:00. So if you go out and the Sun is not there you have time to walk down the street to a park or climb up a hill," she added.
"The most important thing is to watch the Met Office cloud cover forecast and plan accordingly from there." BBC Weather presenter Joy Dunlop says conditions for viewing the partial solar eclipse will vary across Scotland. "Southern Scotland is likely to have the most optimal conditions for catching a glimpse of the eclipse as it will be dry with largely clear skies," she said. "Clearer spells could possibly develop across the central belt and in parts of eastern Scotland.
"But the north west Highlands, Western and Northern Isles will remain cloudy with spells of rain giving very limited or no visibility." High level cloud could make views hazy across the country. Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre at Eaglesham in East Renfrewshire is hosting one of the biggest eclipse events - but has warned that the weather is "not looking great". In a Facebook post, it said it could not guarantee a view of the eclipse.
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