Warning to Brits who witnessed the 1999 solar eclipse ahead of today’s ‘once in a lifetime’ event

BRITS who witnessed the 1999 total eclipse have been issued a stark warning ahead of today’s celestial event. While solar eclipse glasses were encouraged 27 years ago, you should avoid going for the retro look this evening. Experts have advised against using a specific type of solar eclipse glasses (stock image) Credit: Shutterstock Editorial The Met Office has shared when the sun will be obscured the most across the UK Credit: Met Office Experts have advised against using the same solar eclipse glasses again for safety reasons. With more than 90 per cent of the sun set to be obscured by the moon this evening, the event marks the deepest eclipse UK skies have seen since the 1999 total eclipse. Sign up for the Tech newsletter Thank you! Evening light will be slightly dimmed from about 6pm to just after 8pm, with the peak of the eclipse expected roughly between 7pm and 7.20pm. And as the scramble continues for special eclipse glasses across the country, experts have warned against digging out your 1999 pair. The American Astronomical Society has recommended only using solar eclipse glasses that are less than 10 years old. According to the professionals, you should “always inspect” the solar filter of eclipse glasses first to make sure they’re not damaged. “If scratched, punctured, torn or otherwise damaged, discard it,” the society warned. Only special solar eclipse glasses that are ISO 12312-2 certified are recommended for viewing the eclipse. Most read in Tech And if you don’t have a pair on hand, you can still enjoy the eclipse without looking directly at it. The next total solar eclipse is not expected until September 23, 2090. Comment now