Mixed viewing conditions: Partial solar eclipse set for Saturday

This weekend, a partial solar eclipse will appear over the UK and Ireland, just weeks after a partial lunar eclipse graced the skies.

A partial eclipse sees the Moon block just a portion of our solar companion, unlike the total darkness provided by a total eclipse, or the “ring of fire” produced by an annular eclipse.

From around 10:00 am, to midday, on Saturday, the sunlight will be partially blocked by the passing Moon. The peak is expected at around 11:00 am, where visibility will be best over parts of south-east England.

Although an eclipse is an event to be witnessed, it is still not safe to look directly at the Sun during an eclipse.

The best way to see the effect produced is with a pair of solar glasses, or by creating a shadow with a pinhole projector.

Just poke a hole through a piece of card or paper, hold another piece behind it and see the impact the eclipse has. Don't forget to check the WeatherRadar for the latest conditions near you.