SPACE – If the weather plays ball, Wednesday evening could provide one of the most spectacular sights Beverley has seen for years.
On Wednesday 12 August, the Moon will pass in front of the Sun, creating the UK’s most dramatic solar eclipse in almost three decades. From Beverley, more than 92% of the Sun will be covered at the peak of the eclipse, making it far more impressive than the partial eclipse many people watched last year.
From Beverley, more than 92% of the Sun will be covered at the peak of the eclipse.
The timing couldn’t be much better either. The eclipse happens during the evening, meaning many people will be able to watch it after work.
Eclipse timings for Beverley
- 6:12pm – The eclipse begins.
- 7:09pm – Maximum eclipse, with around 92% of the Sun covered.
- 8:03pm – The eclipse ends as the Sun sinks towards the horizon.
Because the Sun will be low in the western sky, choosing the right viewing spot could make all the difference. A west-facing view with few trees or buildings is ideal.
Five great places to watch from Beverley
Westwood
The obvious choice. Wide open views, plenty of space and one of the best horizons in the town. If you’re only going to pick one location, this is probably it.
Beverley Racecourse
The elevated position makes the racecourse another excellent viewing point, provided public access is available.
The Minster grounds
Perhaps not the best location scientifically, but certainly one of the most atmospheric. Watching the eclipse with Beverley Minster dominating the skyline could make for some stunning photographs.
Beverley Beck
If the water is calm, there is the added bonus of reflections as the evening light begins to fade.
Anywhere with a clear western view
The most important thing isn’t the location itself, but making sure the western horizon isn’t blocked by buildings or trees. Even a local park or open field could provide an excellent view.
Why is this eclipse special?
Although the UK won’t experience a total eclipse, this will still be one of the deepest partial eclipses visible from Britain for decades. At its peak, daylight will noticeably fade, shadows will become strangely sharp and the landscape will take on an unusual quality that many people who’ve witnessed major eclipses never forget.
Don’t forget…
This is one event where your eyes come first.
Never look directly at the Sun without ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses or a suitable solar filter. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe, no matter how dark they are. An alternative is to use a simple pinhole projector to watch the eclipse indirectly.
Beverley Review wants your pictures
If the skies stay clear, we’d love to see your photographs.
Whether you’re watching from Westwood, your back garden or somewhere else around Beverley, send us your best eclipse pictures and we’ll publish a gallery of our favourites.
After all, the next time Britain sees an eclipse quite like this, you’ll be a fair bit older… and probably still wondering where you put those eclipse glasses.