Authorities on the Faroe Islands between Iceland and Norway state that all hotels, hostels, and bed and breakfasts in their area have been booked to 20thMarch, when the eclipse is expected. A number of households offered to be host families and there are still vacancies. The whole of Europe, North and West Africa, and Northern Asia will experience partial obscuration (darkening) on March 20th, but at the Faroe Islands it will be 100% for a period of about 2.5 minutes at 9.41am. Svalbard is the only place that will experience total solar eclipses on this date. It’s a small group of islands located halfway between Norway and North Pole. On March 20th, total solar eclipse day, there will be several celebratory events on the Faroe Islands. The Faroe Islands Tourist Board states that the event will be enjoyed by tourists and Faroese across the nation. The remainder of the day will include a variety of cultural and musical events, tours and activities, as well as opportunities to taste local Faroese food. The Moon passes between Earth and Sun and blocks sunlight from the Sun. This is a solar eclipse. Two shadows are cast by the Moon on Earth’s surface during a solar Eclipse: The umbra (which is smaller and more dark) – The larger but darker penumbra. The UK will be covered by the penumbra on March 20th, while the Faroe Islands and Svalbard will be in the umbra. The Moon’s total darkness casts shadows upon the Earth’s surface during a solar eclipse. These are the completely dark umbra, and semi-dark penumbbra. There are many solar eclipse stories that have been passed down through the centuries. One tale tells of the four Faroe Islands shepherd brothers, 30 May 1612 living in Sumba, the southernmost point. They used to quarrel incessantly, but at 11. 25 was one day when sudden darkness (partial sun eclipse) fell upon them as they cared for sheep in the mountains. They promised God to be better men if the world ended. They hugged one another when the Sun rose a short time later and they never fought or quarreled again. A total solar eclipse occurs only once in 375 year for any particular region of Earth. According to the Faroe Islands Tourist Board, “Total solar eclipses” are one of nature’s most remarkable astronomical phenomena. Obscuration within the UK The UK will have a range of 98% on the Isle of Lewis (Outer Hebrides), Scotland, up to 85% at the southern tip of England. A Supermoon will be observed simultaneously. The Moon and Earth are at the closest to one another during this time. According to the Met Office, a Supermoon occurs when it coincides with a sunspot. This is known as a Supermoon Eclipse. According to the Met Office, the Total Eclipse in Faroe Islands will be for 2 minutes and 24 seconds. The partial eclipse in Britain will begin at 7:15 AM. 41am and end at 11.50am. The next partial eclipse over the UK will be on August 11, 2026, astronomers say. Astronomers predict that the next partial eclipse over the UK will occur on August 11. These are not safe. They are not safe. “Do NOT view the Sun through any filters that can be used for solar viewing. aluminised mylar filters, or black polymer filters, identified as suitable for direct viewing of the Sun, bearing the CE mark AND a statement that it conforms to European Community Directive 89/686/EEC, or use a welder’s glass rated at No. 14 and higher Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. You must supervise young children when they are enjoying the eclipse. Pinhole cameras (or pinhole projectors) are a safe and fun way to enjoy the solar eclipse. You will need two sheets of white or white cardboard and a pin. With the pin, make a hole on one side of each of your white sheets. It should be round, smooth and free of any sharp edges. Pinhole cameras are a favorite activity for children. The one with the hole facing the Sun and the opposite paper a few feet below the Sun should be held. You will see the inverted view of an eclipse on one sheet. To protect your eyes, keep your back towards the Sun while you do this. The pin can be used by young children. Video of animation of 2015 sun eclipse, viewed from the UK
