SCIENTISTS from Aberystwyth University are inviting members of the public to join them in viewing a partial solar eclipse later this month.

The astronomical phenomenon, which involves the moon crossing part of the Sun, will take place on Tuesday, 25 October.

Aberystwyth University’s Department of Physics will bring its specialised solar observing telescopes to the Elan Valley Trust in Powys for the public to view the eclipse, which will start around 10am, as well as its collection of meteorites.

Academics and postgraduates from the Department will give a series of talks and demonstrations at the Elan Valley Trust.

Professor Huw Morgan’s talk, ‘The Sun: a middle-aged star with attitude’, will reveal how the Sun, whilst being crucial to maintaining life on Earth, can also pose dangers in the form of solar flares and eruptions.

Research at Aberystwyth is playing a leading role in mitigating against such dangers, through providing forecasting capabilities to the UK Meteorological Office.

AB1411 MERCURY178 PHOTO CODE 19DPJ14NOV178 - PHOTO DAVID ARWYN PARRY JONES / CAMBRIAN NEWS PRESS PHOTOGRAPHER - 14NOVEMBER2019 - REF Dylan; PRESS RELEASE - Scientists at Aberystwyth University are to set up telescopes on the promenade next week to give people a glimpse of a rare astral event. The Department of Physics at Aberystwyth University is holding a public event to mark the rare transit of the planet Mercury across the front of the Sun on Monday, 11 November. Such an alignment only happens around 13 times every century and it will be 2032 before the next occurrence takes place. As Mercury is the smallest planet, the transit can only be viewed from Earth using special telescopes fitted with proper solar filters. Staff and postgraduate students from the Department of Physics will be setting up four telescopes equipped with solar and hydrogen alpha filtering outside the Old College on the seafront at Aberystwyth. The telescopes will allow observers not only to view the slow transit of Mercury across the solar disk but also to see the atmosphere of the Sun – as long as the weather is clear. In case of cloud cover, screens will be set up inside the Old College showing a live stream from other countries of Mercury’s transit from 12.30pm until 4.30pm. Solar researcher and PhD student Gabriel Muro said: “By organising this public event, we want to give students, school pupils and other members of the local community the opportunity to safely view this rare solar event for themselves, using the correct equipment." During the event at the Old College, staff from the Department of Physics will also deliver a series of short talks relating to Mercury, the Sun, and planetary transits - Entry is free and all are welcome. - PHOTO - L/R Dylan Williams - Physics PHD Student at Aberystwyth University and Dr David Kuridze - Aberystwyth University Physics Department, pictured outside the Old College with a Celestron Telescope
Scientists at Aberystwyth University in 2019 when telescopes were set up along the promenade (Cambrian News)

Pete Williamson, a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, will be guest speaker at the event, delivering a talk on “The Sun and How it Works”.

The partial solar eclipse, which is expected to last until around midday in Elan Valley, will be seen to cover 35 per cent of the Sun’s surface from the UK. They happen between two and five times a year but can only be seen by a limited part of the world each time. The last to be seen from Wales took place in June 2021 and the next of this kind will be visible from the UK in 2025.

Professor Morgan said: “Partial solar eclipses are one of astronomy’s most striking phenomena and it is important to make sure as many people can enjoy it as possible and learn about the science behind it.

“While images of these eclipses are well-known, absolutely nothing matches the excitement and beauty of witnessing it in person - but it is important to do so safely, and use appropriate eye protection or filtered telescopes. Never look at the Sun directly without such equipment, and normal sunglasses do not provide sufficient protection.

“That’s why we are delighted to be hosted by Elan Valley Trust for this partial solar eclipse. An event like this can amaze even the most seasoned skywatchers and catch the imagination of those who have never seen an eclipse before, sparking a hobby or even a career that they will enjoy for the rest of their lives.”

The Elan Valley Trust received an award from the International Dark Sky Association in 2015 for its protection against light pollution.

Sam Price, Dark Sky Officer for the Trust and the Elan Valley International Dark Sky Park said: “This will be a fun day for those who wish to look at the Sun though safe solar observing telescopes and learn more about space, with the experts from Aberystwyth University and Pete Williamson (FRAS).”