Wells Cathedral Green will become a skywatching spot next week as astronomers gather for a partial solar eclipse.

The Partial Solar Eclipse Viewing Party will take place on Wednesday, 12 August, with Wells and Mendip Astronomers setting up safely filtered telescopes and eclipse glasses for visitors.

Organisers say the eclipse will be the best partial solar eclipse visible from the UK since 1999. The first contact, when the moon begins to move across the sun, is expected at around 6.16 pm.

Maximum coverage is expected about an hour later, with around 93 per cent of the sun covered. The moon is due to move away from the sun's disc by around 8.07 pm.

The event is free, and people are invited to come along from 3 pm. Astronomers will have telescopes trained on the sun for solar observing before the main show begins.

There will also be activities and information on Cathedral Green during the afternoon and evening. The event is aimed at giving people a safe way to see the eclipse without looking directly at the sun.

Organisers have warned that the weather will decide how much people can see. Heavy cloud or rain would spoil the view, but lighter or passing cloud may still allow some of the eclipse to be visible.

The warning is worth taking seriously: solar eclipses should only be viewed with proper equipment. Looking directly at the sun without suitable protection can cause serious eye damage.

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