THE UK will see its most significant solar eclipse since 1999 this week, with people in East Lothian set to witness more than 90 per cent of the sun disappear behind the moon.
The rare celestial event will take place on Wednesday, when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun to create a partial eclipse.
A full eclipse was last experienced in the UK 27 years ago and will not happen again until 2090.
In East Lothian, about 90.7 per cent of the sun is expected to be obscured at the height of the event.
The eclipse is due to begin at about 6.08pm, with the maximum coverage expected shortly after 7.05pm.
It will then gradually come to an end at about 8pm.
A partial eclipse as significant as the one this week is set to next take place in 2081.
Anyone planning to watch the eclipse has been warned never to look directly at the sun without proper protection.
Regular sunglasses are not safe for eclipse viewing, even when much of the sun is covered.
Viewers should use specialist eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers certified to ISO 12312-2:2015 standards.
Glasses should also be checked for scratches, tears or other damage before use.
Binoculars, cameras and telescopes should never be used to look at the sun unless they are fitted with specialist solar filters designed for the front of the equipment.
A special public viewing event will also take place at Dirleton Village Green, organised by Dirleton Solar Walk.
The event will begin at 6.30pm, with residents invited to gather at the Green to watch the eclipse together.
Certified solar-viewing glasses will be available for those attending, allowing people to view the sun safely.
There are 200 pairs available, which can be reserved in advance or bought on the day while stocks last.
The glasses cost £2, with money raised set to be donated to Dirleton Primary School.
The eclipse will be visible across the UK, although the amount of the sun covered will vary depending on location.
The fullest views are expected in the far south-west of the UK, where up to 96 per cent of the sun may be obscured.
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