Exmouth, a town located in Devon, is gearing up for an extraordinary astronomical event – a rare solar eclipse that will take place on April 8th, 2023. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for residents and visitors to witness a natural phenomenon that occurs only once every few decades.
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, blocking the Sun’s light and casting a shadow on the Earth’s surface. The eclipse will be visible from a narrow path that stretches from the northern Atlantic Ocean to the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Exmouth falls within this path, which means that the town will experience a partial solar eclipse.
The eclipse will begin at around 11:08 am local time and end at 2:47 pm, with the maximum eclipse occurring at 12:42 pm. During this time, the Moon will cover approximately 92% of the Sun, creating an otherworldly sight that is both eerie and beautiful.
To prepare for the event, the town council is working with local businesses and organizations to organize a range of activities and events. These include stargazing parties, astronomy talks, and guided tours to the best viewing spots in the town.
The Royal Observatory Greenwich has also launched a campaign to encourage people to take part in the eclipse. They are asking people to share their photos and videos of the eclipse on social media using the hashtag #eclipse2023. The best entries will be featured on the Observatory’s website and social media channels.
Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions when viewing the eclipse. Looking directly at the Sun can cause permanent damage to the eyes, so it is important to use proper eye protection, such as special eclipse glasses or solar filters. It is also recommended to avoid using regular sunglasses, as they do not offer sufficient protection.
The last time a solar eclipse was visible in the UK was in 2015, and the next one will not occur until 2026. This makes the 2023 eclipse a rare and special event that is not to be missed. Exmouth is a great place to experience the eclipse, with its clear skies and beautiful coastal setting providing the perfect backdrop for this extraordinary event.
