Skywatchers across the UK are preparing for a rare and spectacular celestial event as the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking much of the Sun’s light.
The solar eclipse on Wednesday, August 12, is expected to attract attention from millions of people, with the Moon covering a significant portion of the Sun as the event unfolds. For a short time, daylight will take on an unusual appearance as the sky darkens and the Sun becomes a striking crescent.
Solar eclipses are particularly impressive because they depend on an extraordinary alignment of the Sun, Moon and Earth. Although eclipses happen somewhere on Earth relatively regularly, seeing one from a particular location is much less common, making the event an opportunity for families, photographers and astronomy enthusiasts to experience something out of the ordinary.
Across the Fylde coast, the long stretch of coastline provides numerous potential viewing locations, from Blackpool’s famous piers and promenade to the beaches and open spaces of Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde.
Experts are urging people watching the solar eclipse to never look directly at the Sun, as doing so can cause serious and permanent damage to the eyes.
Here are some of the best places to watch the eclipse...
7. Stanley Park: Enjoy the eclipse from one of Blackpool’s best-known green spaces, offering a more tranquil alternative to the busy seafront.
Stanley Park: Enjoy the eclipse from one of Blackpool’s best-known green spaces, offering a more tranquil alternative to the busy seafront. | Iconic Media
8. St Annes North Beach: Take advantage of the vast open beach and expansive horizon for a spectacular coastal view of the eclipse.
St Annes North Beach: Take advantage of the vast open beach and expansive horizon for a spectacular coastal view of the eclipse.
9. South Pier: Take to the seafront for an elevated coastal viewpoint with the Irish Sea providing a striking backdrop.
South Pier: Take to the seafront for an elevated coastal viewpoint with the Irish Sea providing a striking backdrop. | National World
10. St Annes Pier: Watch the eclipse from the end of the historic pier, surrounded by panoramic views of the coastline and sea.
St Annes Pier: Watch the eclipse from the end of the historic pier, surrounded by panoramic views of the coastline and sea.
11. Rossall Beach Promenade: Enjoy a relaxed viewing experience from the seafront, with the open coastline offering plenty of sky and sea to frame the eclipse.
Rossall Beach Promenade: Enjoy a relaxed viewing experience from the seafront, with the open coastline offering plenty of sky and sea to frame the eclipse. | Iconic Media
12. Cleveleys Beach: Take advantage of the wide sandy beach and coastal views for a classic Fylde Coast setting away from the busiest parts of Blackpool.
Cleveleys Beach: Take advantage of the wide sandy beach and coastal views for a classic Fylde Coast setting away from the busiest parts of Blackpool. | Martin O'Hare