How to experience the solar eclipse and meteor shower in Wales

Abby Neve

Next week, stargazers across the UK will be treated to a spectacle in the skies. The biggest solar eclipse since 1999 will take centre stage in the evening, but observers should wait around for the finale. The eclipse will be followed shortly after by ‘the best’ annual meteor shower.

The eclipse will take place on August 12, and will be visible towards the west. Unlike parts of Europe, the UK will experience a partial eclipse, which should peak somewhere between 19:05 and 19:15, depending on your location.

In Cardiff, the eclipse is predicted to start at 6:16 and finish around 8:07pm peaking at 19:13pm, but times will vary across the UK. More detail on timings can be found on timeanddate.com.

Although Wales will only see a partial eclipse, Iceland, Greenland, and Spain will experience the eclipse in totality.

The eclipse is due to block around 90% of the Sun’s disc across the UK.

Unfortunately, observers are at the mercy of the weather, and cloud is forecast in many parts of the UK next week.

Astronomer Pete Lawrence wrote for the BBC: “Even if clouds make an appearance, the event is long enough – at one hour and 50 minutes – to hopefully give some opportunity for clear skies.”

It’s important to wear solar eclipse glasses for the duration of the event, as staring directly at the sun can result in permanent and severe eye damage.

Perseids Meteor Shower

Once the moon moves away, the sky should light up again with a second celestial event – the Perseids meteor shower.

This annual meteor shower, which according to NASA is the “best of the year” happens to coincide with the solar eclipse.

Under ideal conditions, astrologers say observers can witness up to 100 meteors per hour.

The meteor shower runs from 17 July to 24 August, but it peaks overnight on 12-13 August.

It occurs when the Earth passes through the debris of Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, according to BBC Weather.

As the bits of dust and small rocks left behind by the comet enter our atmosphere, they burn up creating bright streaks of light, resulting in what we know as shooting stars.

Where to watch

Experts advise that as long as you find a good spot with a clear view to the western horizon and low cloud cover, you could witness the eclipse.

Researchers at SIXT Car Rentals ranked viewing sites across the UK using factors such as percentage of August cloud cover, elevation, and solar obscuration levels (how much of the Sun will be covered by the moon), and Strumble Head came second on their list.

At 231 meters above sea level viewers can expect unobstructed views of the event provided the weather allows.

In Pembrokeshire, stargazers could see the sun almost completely covered, with up to 94% coverage – one of the best forecasts in the UK.

Voted Britain’s Best Beach by TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice for two years in a row, observers can enjoy Rhossili Bay any day of the year. The view of the eclipse and then meteors over the sea should make for an unforgettable experience.

Rhossili Bay ranked sixth in the UK on the SIXT list. In August, observers can expect cloud cover of around 55%, according to SIXT.

In another study by Lotus Car Rental, Craig Goch Dam, Powys, ranked first. As the highest dam in the Elan Valley, stargazers can experience the phenomenon with good visibility.

Wherever in Wales you are, there is a good chance if you head outside on Wednesday evening you could be in for a special display.

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