Don't damage your eyes staring at eclipse without special glasses, warn scouts

Scouts in Chorley are working to ensure families can experience one of Britain’s biggest astronomical events in 30 years safely.

On August 12, there will be a partial eclipse across the UK and parts of Europe and the 1st Chorley Methodist Scout Group are spreading a safety first messages for people wanting to witness the event.

The eclipse will cover about 90 per cent of the sun across the UK, making it the most significant solar event in nearly three decades.

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, thereby obscuring the view of the sun from a small part of the Earth.

Now the young scouts are warning any sky watchers on the day to use properly certified eclipse glasses to avoid damaging their eyes.

1st Chorley Methodist Scout Group has partnered with The Fin Whale Eclipse Project, a Canadian youth-led initiative created by five young women from Ontario that combines eclipse education with marine conservation.

The path of the August 12 eclipse closely follows many of the same North Atlantic waters travelled each year by fin whales as they migrate between feeding grounds near Greenland and Iceland and waters around the British Isles, France and northern Spain.

"Our goal is simple," said the team behind The Fin Whale Eclipse Project. "We want every family to experience this incredible eclipse safely while discovering one of the world's most magnificent animals. Scout groups are wonderful partners because they care about education, community service and protecting the natural world."

With eclipse day fast approaching, local families are encouraged to obtain certified eclipse glasses before supplies become limited.

Families throughout Chorley and Lancashire can support 1st Chorley Methodist Scout Group while preparing safely for the eclipse by visiting the group's dedicated project page: finwhaleeclipse-eu.myshopify.com/Chorley-Methodist-Scout-Group