Where to see the solar eclipse in the South East

People across the south east of England have a chance to witness one of the most significant solar eclipses for nearly 30 years.

The partial solar eclipse on Wednesday will see up 95% of the sun obscured by the moon in the UK, depending on the exact location.

Between 18:00 and 20:00 BST, as the moon passes in front of the sun, the sky will darken and viewers will see a dramatic crescent-shaped sun.

The last notable event was a total eclipse on 11 August, 1999, seen over Cornwall and parts of Devon, with the next one set to take place on 23 September, 2090.

Across Europe, parts of Spain and Portugal will enjoy the spectacle of a total eclipse this year.

In other parts of the continent, Dublin will see a partial eclipse covering 94% of the sun, Paris 92%, London 90% and Berlin 85%.

Anticipation for Wednesday is building and numerous special events have been organised across the South East for keen skywatchers to gather and witness the rare celestial display safely.

Events are being held at the following locations, among others:

Kent:

• Reculver Towers and Roman Fort, Herne Bay with the South East Kent Astronomical Society
• Ramsgate Boating Pool on Ramsgate Royal Esplanade, with the Ramsgate Stargazers
• Lydd on Sea car park on Kerton Road, with the Ashford Astronomical Society

Surrey:

• Newlands Corner Visitor Centre, Guildford, with Guildford Astronomical Society
• Riddlesdown Common Car Park, Purley
• RAF Kenley Tribute Memorial, Kenley
• Warlingham School Common, Warlingham, with Croydon Astronomical Society

Sussex:

• Martello Tower on Seaford Beach, organised by the Lewes Astronomical Society
• Sheffield Park and Garden in Uckfield, organised by the Seven Sisters' Astronomy Group
• Goring Gap in Worthing, West Sussex, with Worthing Astronomers
• South Downs Planetarium and Science Centre, Chichester
• Eclipse Picnic at Horsham Park Human Nature Garden
• De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill, with Astronomy Adventures UK

Further events can be found on the UK Eclipse website.

The South East has experienced high temperatures and clear nights for several weeks.

According to the Met Office, Wednesday is predicted to have "very good" visibility during the times of the partial solar eclipse.

Although the sun is partially blocked, proper eye protection is still required throughout the event, according to UK Eclipse.

The organisation says a partial solar eclipse should never be viewed with the naked eye, as harmful solar radiation can cause permanent eye damage.

It says safe viewing requires ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses, approved solar filters for optical equipment, or indirect methods such as pinhole projectors.

UK Eclipse says telescopes and binoculars can provide impressive eclipse views, but only when fitted with approved solar filters.

It stresses viewers should never look at the sun through unfiltered optical equipment, as it can cause instant eye damage.

For a safer experience, it recommends people should consider attending an organised viewing event hosted by a local astronomy group or observatory.