Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Tonight's Solar Eclipse: Everything Families Need to Know
Tonight, families across the UK will have the chance to witness one of the most spectacular celestial events in decades as a deep partial solar eclipse takes place. Depending on where you are, up to 96% of the Sun could be covered by the Moon, making it the most impressive solar eclipse visible from the UK since 1999. The eclipse is expected to begin shortly after 6pm, reaching its maximum at around 7.10pm before ending just after 8pm, although timings vary slightly by location.
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, casting its shadow across our planet. While ancient civilisations often viewed eclipses as mysterious or even frightening events, today we understand the science behind them – but they're no less exciting to experience.
If you're planning to watch tonight's eclipse with your children, safety must come first. Never look directly at the Sun without certified eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standard. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe and can cause permanent eye damage. If you don't have eclipse glasses, a simple pinhole projector is a fun and safe way for children to see the eclipse indirectly. Cameras, telescopes and binoculars should also never be used without specialist solar filters.
Tonight's eclipse is a fantastic opportunity to inspire young minds. Encourage children to notice how the light changes, watch for unusual shadows and think about the incredible journey of the Moon as it moves across the face of the Sun. Whether you're watching from your garden, a local park or another safe open space, it's a rare family moment that's unlikely to be forgotten anytime soon.