A partial solar eclipse will be visible across south-west England and the Channel Islands on Wednesday evening, with the Moon expected to cover more than 90% of the Sun. It matters because it will be the darkest partial eclipse seen in the UK since 1999, although observers are being strongly warned not to look directly at the Sun without proper protection.

The event is due to run from about 18:20 to 20:10 BST, as the Sun, Moon and Earth align; the total eclipse itself will be visible elsewhere, from northern Russia towards Spain and Portugal. Experts say temperatures and light levels may fall and wildlife may react, while the UKHSA recommends certified eclipse glasses, handheld solar viewers or indirect projection methods; after the 1999 eclipse, around 70 people reported sight problems.