A partial solar eclipse will grace the skies this evening (August 12), captivating stargazers in the North East and across the UK.
The rare celestial event will see the moon partially cover the sun, creating a dramatic spectacle as it passes between the Earth and our nearest star.
Today we will witness the greatest sun cover seen in the UK and Ireland since the 1999 solar eclipse.
For those lucky enough to catch it safely, tonight's eclipse could be a once-in-a-generation spectacle, with the next notable eclipse not expected until 2081.
We have all the information you need for the best viewing spots and times to look out for it, plus advice about how to protect your eyes.
Tonight's solar eclipse will be the last notable spectacle until 2081.
(Image: Getty Images)
What time to look out for the eclipse
In the North East, the eclipse will be visible from around 6.10pm to 8pm, reaching its peak just after 7pm.
For those who want to get the best view, the eclipse will be at maximum visibility specifically at 7.07pm in Durham and Newcastle , and 7.08pm in Middlesbrough .
Best viewing spots
Some good vantage points include Newcastle's Town Moor, Weardale & Teesdale moorland, high sections of Hadrian’s Wall and Teesside's Roseberry Topping - all offering views to the West with minimal street light pollution.
Observers are advised to find a high point or open area with a clear view of the south-west horizon to make the most of the spectacle.
Protect your eyes
The eclipse is already drawing attention from people across the country as a once-in-a-lifetime event - but experts are warning the public not to look directly at the sun without certified protection.
Kyla Black, director of optical practice at Boots Opticians, said: "Even when most of the sun is covered, it is never safe to look directly at it with the naked eye during a partial solar eclipse.
"Looking at the sun without the correct protection can damage the retina, which may lead to permanent vision loss."
She explained that the reduced brightness during an eclipse can fool the eyes into letting more light in, increasing exposure to harmful ultraviolet and infrared rays that can cause lasting damage to the retina.
Certified eclipse glasses that meet the international ISO 12312-2 safety standard are essential for safe viewing - but with just hours to go, they are proving difficult for people to get their hands on.
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Black said: "Regular sunglasses, even very dark ones, do not provide enough protection to safely view a solar eclipse."
Anyone without eclipse glasses is advised to watch a livestream of the event instead.
Those hoping to capture the eclipse using cameras, smartphones, telescopes, or binoculars should also use certified solar filters to avoid damaging lenses.
Parents are also urged to supervise children closely and to inspect eclipse glasses for any damage before use.
Homemade alternatives such as multiple sunglasses, old X-ray film, floppy disks, smoked glass, or coloured film are not safe, as they do not block harmful UV and infrared radiation.