Dear patient,
A solar eclipse will be visible this evening, and while it should be a fascinating event to watch, please remember that you should never look directly at the Sun without suitable eye protection.
What time is the eclipse in Mickleover?
Here in Mickleover and Derby, the eclipse will be a deep partial solar eclipse rather than a total eclipse.
Eclipse begins: approximately 6:14 pm
Maximum eclipse: approximately 7:11 pm
At maximum: around 91% of the Sun will be covered
Eclipse ends: approximately 8:04 pm
The Sun will be fairly low in the western sky by the time of maximum eclipse, so you will need a reasonably clear view towards the west.
Please protect your eyes
Looking directly at the Sun, even during an eclipse, can cause serious and potentially permanent damage to the retina. Ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for viewing the Sun.
Using eclipse glasses
If you have purchased eclipse or solar-viewing glasses, check that they are specifically designed for direct solar viewing and comply with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.
Please do not use old eclipse glasses that have been stored away for several years, even if they appear to be in good condition. The protective material may have deteriorated or become damaged during storage. If you cannot be confident about their age, condition, manufacturer or safety certification, do not use them.
Newer eclipse glasses should also be checked carefully before use. Do not use them if the lenses are scratched, punctured, creased, damaged or coming away from the frames.
Children should be supervised closely when using eclipse glasses.
Other ways to watch safely
You do not have to look directly at the Sun to enjoy the eclipse. A simple pinhole projector can be made using card, paper or other everyday household items, allowing you to project an image of the Sun onto another surface and watch the eclipse indirectly.
There are several guides and videos available through Google and YouTube demonstrating how to make a pinhole projector and other simple ways of viewing an eclipse indirectly using everyday items. Please make sure you follow guidance from a reputable source and remember that a pinhole projector is for projecting an image of the Sun, not for looking through the pinhole at the Sun.
You can also follow live coverage of the eclipse online or on television.
If using a mobile phone or camera, avoid pointing the device directly at the Sun unless it is fitted with an appropriate solar filter. Looking at the Sun through an unfiltered camera, binoculars or telescope is particularly dangerous, and concentrated sunlight can also damage camera equipment.
And a reminder about your regular eye health
The eclipse is also a useful reminder to look after your eyes throughout the year. Regular eye examinations are important even if you have not noticed any problems with your vision, as they can identify changes in your eyesight and sometimes detect signs of eye disease or other health conditions before you notice symptoms yourself.
Most people are advised to have an eye examination at least every two years, although your optometrist may recommend more frequent checks depending on your age, eye health, medical history or individual risk factors.
Remember: never look directly at the Sun without certified solar-viewing protection, even for a few seconds.