The solar eclipse in Jersey: All you need to know

A rare solar eclipse - where the moon covers the sun, blocking its light - will start at around 6:15 pm this evening (12 August).

It is the closest to a full eclipse since 1999.

At its peak, around 94% of the sun will be obscured, turning day into night.

The eclipse begins at 6:15pm, with maximum coverage - meaning Jersey will be at its darkest - about an hour later.

The whole spectacle will last about two hours, finishing at about 8:15pm. 

Where?

To get the clearest view, it's best to go out west, as the sun will be low in the sky.

The Jersey Astronomy Club will set up two or three solar telescopes by the slip at Le Braye in St Ouen's Bay and will also have a supply of solar glasses for people to pass around.

But it’s not just watching the moon cover the sun that will be incredible to see...

What?

Because the moon's path crosses in front of the sun, it will cast a shadow on Earth, blocking light as it travels past. 

So day will turn to night no matter where you are on the island.

Additionally, because the sun is covered, the temperature will drop by about five degrees, and the whole island will go dark - into a more twilight light. 

Animals, like the birds, will also go quiet. 

It's described as 'beautifully eerie' and 'wonderful' by those who watched the total eclipse in 1999.

Safety

Eyesight charity EYECAN says that looking directly at the sun during the solar eclipse can cause serious damage to your eyes.

Neil Mahrer, a member of the Jersey Astronomy Club, says you can even blind yourself.

The retina lacks pain receptors, which means you likely won’t feel any damage happening in the moment, and damage can occur without awareness or pain.

EYECAN, Jersey's Only Sight Impairment Charity, says:

When watching an eclipse, special ‘solar eclipse viewing glasses’, or a handheld solar viewer must be used, these are especially designed for direct viewing of the sun by filtering visible, ultraviolet and infrared light.

Solar Eclipse glasses are no longer available on the island. Le Quesne's Pharmacy was the only place that stocked them, and they sold out last Friday.

Steven Ormes is from the chemists:

"Within an hour, we had sold out. I tried to get more from our supplier but, being on an island, they said it would take another week to get to us, which would be too late.

Since then, scores of people have been posting on social media, pleading to get their hands on a pair.

Islanders are warned about counterfeit or damaged glasses online that don't have the special radiation protection. 

If you didn't grab some special shades, you can watch the shadow of the eclipse, which is a small crescent of the sun peeking out from behind the moon, by casting the image on a blank surface, either:

• By holding a colander above a surface, the crescent will be cast through each hole.
• By making a small hole in a piece of card using a pin, and casting the shadow through this.

Beach Safety

Jersey's lifeguards are urging people heading to the beach for the eclipse not to swim after six.

The RNLI says, though St Ouen's Bay is a great viewing spot, big spring tides and strong rip currents and the darkening sky could lead to swimmers getting into difficulty.

They recommend staying out of the water after their patrols end.

Jersey Coastguard said:

"If you're planning to be in or around the water, please be aware that changing light levels can feel unsettling and make it more difficult to judge your surroundings."

✅ Keep an eye on children and vulnerable beach users

✅ Take extra care if entering the water around eclipse time

✅ Stay aware of changing conditions and tides

✅ In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard