On Air Now

Thursday Drivetime

3:00pm - 6:00pm

Now Playing

The 1999 solar eclipse in pictures - and why you should probably get new glasses this time

More than 90% of the sun will be obscured by the moon between 6.17pm and 8.06pm on Wednesday.

It will be the most it has been blocked above UK skies since the total eclipse in 1999.

As the date has drawn closer, excitement has grown, but so too have warnings about the eclipse's potential to damage our eyes.

Experts have warned that only special solar eclipse glasses that are ISO 12312-2 certified for the safest eye protection should be used to view the eclipse.

If you were lucky enough to see the eclipse 27 years ago, you shouldn't use the same solar eclipse glasses again.

The American Astronomical Society advises people to only use solar eclipse glasses that are less than 10 years old - and to "always inspect" the solar filter of their eclipse glasses first to make sure they're not damaged.

"If scratched, punctured, torn or otherwise damaged, discard it," they warn.

Here, Sky News has gone into the archives to show how people watched the UK's last major solar eclipse in 1999.

Sky News

(c) Sky News 2026: The 1999 solar eclipse in pictures - and why you should probably get new glasses this time

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Technology

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Newsletter

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

   

Coming up next On Air

  • Thursday Drivetime

    3:00pm - 6:00pm

    getting you home on your favourite Drivetime station.

  • The Sean Show

    6:00pm - 8:00pm

    Sean Cummiskey brings you the The Sensational Spectacular Sctillating Supersonic Sean Show! Or for ease The Sean Show! Top music and musings with “Great Number 2’s” and the home of tenuous links to songs from the news and “on this day!”.

  • The Midnight Special

    8:00pm - 10:00pm

    Craig, Christian and Tony bring a mix of songs & genres & nonsense, from brand new to classic.

  • Music Mix

    10:00pm - Midnight

    Roch Valley Radio is with you 24/7 with our great mix of music!

  • After Hours

    Midnight - 2:00am

    For the night owls, night workers and everyone still going while the rest of the town sleeps. Music, chat and company after dark.

  • Wide Awake Club

    2:00am - 5:00am

    For those who find themselves awake at 3am more often than they’d like. Calm music, understanding voices and quiet company.