When is the solar eclipse in February 2017, can I watch it in the UK and what time does it start? Here’s all you need to know
FEBRUARY sees the moon pass in front of the sun, causing an incredible solar eclipse.
However, the natural wonder is only visible in certain locations - will we be able to see it in the UK? Here's all the details you need to know...
When is the February 2017 solar eclipse?
This month a dramatic solar eclipse will occur and be visible in certain areas around the world.
The moon will passed in front of the sun on February 26, leaving a small halo of light around it.
The natural event started in Chile and can be seen across parts of southern South America in the morning.
It will then be visible across the South Atlantic Ocean and will end in south-western Africa at sunset.
What happens when the moon passes in front of the sun?
Solar eclipses occur when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, blocking out its light.
Many times that an eclipse happens it is only a partial coverage.
The eclipse is a natural phenomenon, but may have associated it as a bad omen or a supernatural event.
Looking directly into the sun can cause eye damage, so eye protection is advised when looking up to view the eclipse as the obscured phases can last just a matter of minutes depending on the location.
Can I see the solar eclipse in the UK?
No, the solar eclipse will only be seen, at least partially, in South and West Africa, some of South America, the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Ocean, and Antarctica.
It will start at 12.10pm UTC and peak at 2.58pm UTC, and set at 5.35pm UTC.
The last solar eclipse that was visible in the UK occurred in 2015.
A penumbral lunar eclipse, when the Sun, Earth and Moon all align almost one-behind-another, will be be visible in the UK on February 10 and 11.
When is the next solar eclipse?
After this one on February 26 there will be another one on August 21 in the USA.
The next one we are scheduled to witness in the UK will be on June 10 2021, although it will just be a partial eclipse.
It will take place over Britain ranging from 20 per cent in northern Scotland and 30 per cent in south-east England.
Scientists say the next “deep” partial eclipse in the UK will take place on August 12, 2026 and the next total eclipse will be in September 2090.
They predict the natural phenomenon will continue for the next 60 million years, until the distance between the moon and the sun will be too vast.
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