Get ready for a celestial spectacle this Saturday!

Keele University in Staffordshire is inviting the public to witness a breathtaking partial solar eclipse, and the best part? It’s completely free!

Details of the Event

On October 14, an impressive one-third of the Sun will be obscured by the Moon, transforming our bright star into a crescent shape. The event kicks off at 10:00 AM GMT, with the partial eclipse beginning just six minutes later at 10:06 AM. The pinnacle of the eclipse will occur at 11:04 AM, wrapping up the show by 12:03 PM. This is a fantastic opportunity for families and astronomy enthusiasts of all ages to observe this awe-inspiring event together.

Transportation and Access

Keele University has arranged free parking and will operate regular shuttle buses to and from Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent, making your journey hassle-free. Last time they hosted a similar event during the solar eclipse in 2015, hundreds flocked to see the fantastic sight!

Expert Guidance During the Eclipse

Dr. Jacco van Loon, director of Keele Observatory, will not only guide attendees through the eclipse but also provide views of sunspots and solar eruptions occurring simultaneously. 'We’re hopeful for clear skies, but should the weather not cooperate, we’ll be streaming the event inside the observatory and discussing the science behind it,' he revealed. It’s a golden opportunity for visitors to get closer to the mysteries of our universe.

A Fascinating Phenomenon

'While eclipses no longer signify doom or enhance royal prestige, they remain a fascinating and extraordinary phenomenon,' Dr. van Loon explained. Despite not experiencing a total eclipse this time around, the thrilling sight of the Sun and Moon appearing almost equal in size in our sky continues to captivate spectators.

Join the Event!

Be part of this rare event, and don’t forget to explore the observatory after the eclipse. Ready your solar viewing glasses and mark your calendars – this is one astronomical event you won't want to miss!