These public viewings of the solar eclipse this week are closest to Bassetlaw

Special care is needed to protect your eyes, and you should use specialist eclipse viewers or indirect viewing methods if you want to catch the momentous event personally.

People across the UK will have the chance to witness the dramatic solar eclipse, and although it will not be total, more than 90 per cent of the sun will be covered by the moon from many locations, and unusually, will take place during the evening, revealing the rare sight of a heavily eclipsed Sun at sunset.

Observers will need a clear view towards the west or north-west.

At maximum eclipse, the Sun will be only around 10 to15 degrees above the horizon for much of the UK, and coastal viewpoints, hills, open countryside, and elevated areas with a clear western horizon are likely to offer the best views.

This eclipse is expected to become one of the UK’s most widely observed astronomical events for many years.

There are no specific Bassetlaw events to watch the eclipse, but the nearest public viewing events are at The Brian Joynes Observatory, at Austerfield, near Bawtry, at Southwell Minster, Southwell, Nottinghamshire, or at the J.A. Jones Hoober Observatory, Wentworth, South Yorkshire,

Doors open at 5.30pm at the Austerfield Study Centre, The Old Primary School, Doncaster, DN10 6RG and the event is free for everyone, scheduled to finish at 8.30pm.

Solar glasses can be supplied free of charge, courtesy of Go Stargazing, and there will also be specialised Smart Telescopes set up to view the sun.

Experienced astronomers will be on hand with specialist solar telescopes to help you observe this remarkable celestial event safely while explaining the science behind eclipses. Donations are welcome to Doncaster Astronomical Society help fund further astronomical events to the community.

A special evening viewing of Helios and the partial eclipse takes place at Southwell Minster from 7pm to 9pm on Wednesday, when there will be various classic tracks played relating to the sun, stars, space, eclipses etc.

Helios, in ancient Greek mythology, is the god who personifies the sun. This Helios is Luke Jerram’s art installation fusing solar imagery, and sunlight, with a surround sound composition by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson.

There will be a special tower tour to see the partial eclipse of the sun. Tickets are strictly limited and safety glasses will be provided.

This event will help raise important funds for Southwell Minster.

Or you can join members of Mexborough and Swinton Astronomical Society at the Observatory, Lee Brook Lane, Wentworth, S62 7SH for a rare opportunity to observe the partial solar eclipse and learn more about our nearest star.

Using specially designed solar viewing equipment, visitors will be able to safely view the sun as the moon passes across its face, creating one of nature’s most fascinating astronomical events.

Society members will be on hand throughout the event to explain the science behind the eclipse and answer questions about the Sun and the wider solar system. Suitable for all ages, this event opens from 6pm.