Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
Skywatchers across Devon and Somerset are being encouraged to look to the western horizon on the evening of Wednesday, 12th August, when the largest partial solar eclipse visible from Britain since 1999 coincides with the annual Perseid meteor shower, creating a rare celestial double event.
The partial solar eclipse will begin at around 6.15pm, reaching its maximum shortly after 7.10pm before ending just after 8.00pm. During the peak phase, between 94 and 95 per cent of the Sun will be obscured by the Moon across much of the South West.
Forecasters say the region is among the best places in the UK to witness the event, with current predictions suggesting warm temperatures, relatively clear skies and favourable visibility.
According to weather forecasts, many areas of Somerset, including Bridgwater, Frome, Chard and Bath, are expected to enjoy particularly good viewing conditions. Taunton and Weston-super-Mare are also forecast to experie…
