On 12 August a significant solar eclipse will be visible from Shropshire when nearly 95per cent of the sun will be covered by the moon to create an impressive and intriguing sky.
Shropshire Astronomical Society (SAS), is running a special Space Fun Day on 12 August for all who wish to see the eclipse and have fun finding out more about space.
The eclipse will take place between 6.14pm and 8.05pm with maximum coverage at 7.11pm when only a small crescent of the sun will remain visible. The SAS will have experts on hand with special equipment to provide expert guided safe viewing, as eyes might be damaged without.. Also on that day SAS members will be set up from 12noon to allow members of the public to view the sun with special equipment. After the eclipse they will then be observing the planet Venus and when it gets dark they will be watching the Perseid Meteor shower. Each year the Perseids are the best opportunity to watch meteors enter the atmosphere and burn up, often leaving incandescent trails. The shower reaches its peak on 13 August so eclipse day offers an opportunity to also witness another special event.
While observing relies on fine weather, the SAS has arranged plenty of activities inside for all ages and especially families, that will take place whatever the weather: hourly planetarium shows, space arts & craft for children, space & astronomy displays, rocks from space, radio meteor watch, live communicating with satellites, making stomp rockets, fossils & rocks (Shropshire Geological Society), discover the moon, sstro-jumble, ‘ask an expert’, telescope clinic, and much more.
The Space Fun Day is taking place between noon and midnight at Rodington Village Hall, Rodington, near Shrewsbury. There is a small entry fee to contribute to society funds. Visit www.shropshire-astro.uk
