Exmouth, a beautiful coastal town in the southwest of England, is set to witness a rare celestial event on April 8, 2023 – a total solar eclipse. This is an event that hasn’t occurred in the UK since 1999 and won’t be seen again until 2090, making it a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, blocking out the sun’s light and casting a shadow on the earth’s surface. Total solar eclipses are a rare occurrence, happening only once every 18 months somewhere on the planet, and they can only be seen from a relatively small area. In the case of the 2023 eclipse, the shadow of the moon will pass over the Atlantic Ocean before moving over the southwest of England, where it will be visible for just over two minutes.
Exmouth is in a prime location to view the eclipse. Its position on the coast means that there is a good chance of clear skies, and there are plenty of vantage points to choose from. Visitors to the town can head to the beach, the cliffs, or the nature reserve to witness the event.
The last total solar eclipse in the UK was in 1999, and it was a huge event, with thousands of people flocking to Cornwall to witness it. The 2023 eclipse is expected to be just as popular, with many people already making plans to travel to Exmouth to see it.
If you’re planning on watching the eclipse, it’s important to take precautions to protect your eyes. Looking directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can cause permanent damage to your eyesight. Special eclipse glasses or filters are available to purchase, or you can make a pinhole viewer to project an image of the eclipse onto a surface.
The 2023 solar eclipse is an exciting event that is not to be missed. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just a casual observer, witnessing a total solar eclipse is an awe-inspiring experience that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Mark your calendars and start making plans to be in Exmouth on April 8, 2023, to witness this amazing event.
