Watch live as the UK sees its most dramatic partial solar eclipse since 1999, with more than 90% of the sun set to be obscured by the moon.
Cameras at London’s Greenwich Royal Observatory will take in the view as the spectacle begins shortly after 6pm. The eclipse will reach its deepest point just after 7pm.
Some parts of the country will experience up to 96% of the sun being covered, while millions around areas of Spain, Iceland, Greenland and Portugal will be treated to a rare total eclipse.
The celestial event happens when the Moon passes in front of the Sun, obscuring its light. That produces a stunning ring of fire around the lunar surface, as well as eerie events such as the day dramatically dimming and confused birds singing.
The event has already begun in some parts of the world, hitting relatively unpopulated areas in Alaska and northern Siberia first.
People around the country are preparing for the rare spectacle – with travellers taking holidays, and the glasses that are required to see it safely causing long queues and quickly selling out.
While experts have urged the public to try and see the major astronomical event, they have warned that people should do so safely. Looking straight at the Sun, even during an eclipse, can cause significant damage to the eyes and even to phones, and viewers are warned to only do so using special equipment.
