Solar eclipse and Perseid Meteor Shower

Experience a rare double sky event as two incredible celestial displays take place within hours of each other. In the evening, a partial solar eclipse will be visible across the UK, with the Moon gradually passing in front of the Sun as it sinks toward the western horizon. On the Wirral, the eclipse will begin at around 6:10–6:15pm, reaching its maximum between approximately 7:05pm and 7:13pm, and ending as the Sun nears the horizon, shortly before sunset. Since the eclipse will be low in the sky throughout, a clear view to the west is recommended. Later that night, the Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak, offering one of the year’s most spectacular stargazing opportunities. As darkness falls, and into the early hours of 13th August, you can expect to see bright, fast-moving meteors streaking across the sky. This year’s peak coincides with a new moon, meaning there’ll be no moonlight to wash out fainter meteors — ideal conditions for spotting them. The best viewing window is typically from around 11:00pm through to dawn, with activity generally picking up after midnight, especially away from streetlights and under clear skies.