As Britain prepares to witness a near-total solar eclipse, authorities are issuing safety advisories to the public. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has cautioned against swimming in the sea during the event due to dangerously strong tides, and motorists are being advised to use their headlights.
Tonight's solar eclipse will see the moon obscure up to 96 percent of the sun for viewers in the UK. The celestial event is expected to begin around 6:08 PM in Scotland, with peak coverage occurring approximately an hour later. For London, the peak is forecast for 7:12 PM.
Dangers of Swimming During an Eclipse
The RNLI's warning stems from the fact that solar eclipses always coincide with a new moon. This alignment of the sun and moon amplifies their gravitational pull on Earth, resulting in stronger 'spring tides.' These tides are characterized by higher high tides and lower low tides, leading to significantly stronger currents in the ocean. The RNLI's Jersey lifeboat station specifically noted unsafe conditions for swimming off the Channel Island, a caution that extends to all of Britain's coastline. Similarly, the City of London Corporation has stated that individuals wishing to observe the eclipse from Hampstead Heath's ponds will be asked to leave the water.
Road Safety Precautions
Motorists are also being urged to take precautions. The RAC advises that vehicles not equipped with automatic headlights or daylight running lights may need their dipped beams switched on to ensure visibility to other road users. RAC head of policy Simon Williams recommended that drivers pull over in a safe location to watch the eclipse using specialist glasses, rather than becoming distracted by the event while driving. Taking one's eyes off the road, even briefly, can increase the risk of a collision.
Safe Eclipse Viewing Practices
Concerns over public safety extend to viewing the eclipse itself. Experts warn against looking directly at the sun without proper protection, as this can cause permanent eye damage. The public has been seen queuing in large numbers to purchase certified eclipse glasses, which must bear the ISO 12312-2 safety standard. Many retailers have reported selling out of these glasses. Those unable to obtain legitimate glasses can opt for indirect viewing methods, such as making a pinhole projector or using a colander to cast an image of the sun onto a surface. Livestreams from institutions like the Royal Observatory Greenwich are also available as an alternative viewing method.
The last total solar eclipse visible from the UK occurred in 1999, though its visibility was limited to Devon and Cornwall. The next total solar eclipse visible in Britain is not anticipated until 2090. The partial eclipse is expected to cause a temporary dimming of light and a drop in temperature.