Our city has been tipped by experts to be one of the best places in Europe to watch the spectacular sight in the morning of Friday, March 20

The first total solar eclipse in sixteen years will apparently plunge us all into darkness as the moon travels across the sun between 8:30 and 10:45 am.

 

The last one to hit the UK was in 1999 - with the next projected total solar eclipse due in 2080. The celestial event could allegedly cause power cuts and potentially plunge parts of Europe into darkness due to increasing reliance on solar power grids.

 

The European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity said: 'Under a clear morning sky on 20 March 2015, some 35,000 MW of solar energy, which is the equivalent of nearly 80 medium size conventional generation units, will gradually fade from Europe's electrical system before being gradually re-injected: all in the space of two hours while Europeans and their offices begin a normal working week day.'

 

The North of Scotland will see at least 94 per cent of light diminished, compared to 84 per cent in London.

 

The Isle of Lewis will see the phenomenon at its best - 98 per cent of the sun will be obscured at mid-eclipse at around 9:36am.

 

Just remember, don't look at the sun directly as it can damage your eyes: Either buy special eclipse glasses online or put a pinhole in cardboard to view it.

 

Here is a tutorial video on how to build a pinhole camera.