With the best solar eclipse since 1999 just around the corner, here is your eclipse guide so you know what is going on and where to see the most significant partial eclipse in 27 years.
Firstly, When is is it happening?
The eclipse is on Wednesday August 12, and in the West Midlands, beings at 6.15pm, it will move into maximum coverage, where the sun will be at it's most covered state by the moon at 7.11pm, before the eclipse officially ends at 8.05pm.
Where can you watch the solar eclipse?
You do not have to travel far to see the once in a generation event, any elevated open space looking over a western horizon is perfect.
This makes places like the Clent Hills, Kinver Edge and Clee Hill in Shropshire all perfect for a clear view.
There is also an array of events happening around the West Midlands including at Aston Hall in Birmingham and an on the water solar eclipse paddle at Midlands Open water swim centre.
How much of the sun will be covered?
Experts say that at peak coverage the moon will cover sun at 92 per cent, this will result in an evidential shift from light to dark, as the birds stop chirping, and a shadow descends upon on lookers.
Peaky coverage will be in the west of the UK, with Cardiff and Belfast receiving more than 93 per cent coverage, this leaves the West Midlands at a respectable placing, with higher coverage than London and Manchester.
How to safely watch the eclipse?
The advice is to not use regular sunglasses to watch the eclipse, only ISO 12312-2 rated special eclipse glasses will black the sun's dangerous ray's efficiently.
Also do not look through camera lens, binoculars or telescopes, these will act like magnifying glasses and can burn your eyes instantly unless fitted with specialist solar filters in front of the lens.
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