Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Solar eclipse: As Google Doodle marks celestial phenomenon, here is all you need to know in three charts

From making pinhole projectors to safely watch the phenomenon, to knowing when to head out to watch it, these graphics show you everything you need to know about Friday’s eclipse

Andrew Griffin
Thursday 19 March 2015 14:21 EDT
Comments
A Hindu man watches a solar eclipse as he takes a bath in the Ganges river in the Indian city of Varanasi on July 22, 2009. The longest solar eclipse of the 21st century cast a shadow over much of Asia, plunging hundreds of millions into darkness across t
A Hindu man watches a solar eclipse as he takes a bath in the Ganges river in the Indian city of Varanasi on July 22, 2009. The longest solar eclipse of the 21st century cast a shadow over much of Asia, plunging hundreds of millions into darkness across t (PEDRO UGARTE/AFP/Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A solar eclipse will pass over Britain on Friday, covering the country in darkness as the moon moves in front of the sun. But it’s important to be sure when and how exactly to watch it — getting the wrong time could mean not getting to see the rare celestial phenomenon, but watching it wrongly could damage your eyes permanently.

How partial it is will depend on where in the country you are. The further south and east that the eclipse is viewed from, the more partial it will be. The best view will be at the very top of Scotland, where it will be almost total.

Wherever you are, watching the eclipse safely is absolutely paramount. If you haven’t managed to get hold of any glasses, then you can make a pinhole projector easily at home, using two pieces of paper or card, that will allow you to see the eclipse as it happens.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in