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A RARE solar eclipse is set to take place on Wednesday over Yorkshire.
The partial eclipse will occur on August 12 between 6.17pm and 8.06pm with astronomers saying this will be the most dramatic since the total eclipse of 1999, with up to 95 per cent of the sun will be obscured by the moon.
The maximum point of coverage is expected to be at around 7.13pm.
The clearest views are expected from the western parts of the UK; Yorkshire, along with areas of Norfolk, Aberdeenshire, and the Orkney and Shetland Islands, will see less coverage, with estimates ranging from 88 to 90 per cent.
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The eclipse happens close to sunset when the Sun is just 12° above the horizon.
Imo Bell, a planetarium astronomer at the Royal Greenwich Observatory, said: "It's not a total eclipse, but over 90 per cent is really exciting. We're not going to get one this good for a really long time.
"So, it's important not to miss it, and to be prepared. You can’t just go out and expect to have a look because it's really dangerous for your eyes."
She strongly advised against using regular sunglasses, warning that only specialised solar eclipse glasses or indirect viewing techniques are safe - adding that people could project the image using a household item, such as a colander.
In York, City Cruises are offering special eclipse cruise will give guests the chance to enjoy uninterrupted views of the sky while surrounded by York’s beautiful riverside scenery.
There will also be a short talk on eclipses by astrophysicist Dr Emily Brunsden from 6.15pm to 6.45pm, followed by safe eclipse viewing from 6.45pm to 7.30pm using specialist solar telescopes and solar glasses.
The next time the UK will see a similar level of solar coverage will be in 2081, with the next total solar eclipse over UK skies not expected until 2090.