Best times and places to watch solar eclipse near Banbury today (Wednesday)
Banbury residents will have the chance to witness a spectacular partial solar eclipse today, with more than 90 per cent of the Sun expected to be obscured by the Moon.
The partial solar eclipse is expected to take place between 6.15pm and 8.05pm today (Wednesday, August 12).
Banbury residents will have the best chance of seeing the rare celestial event at around 7.12pm, when looking towards the west.
There will not be a total solar eclipse in Oxfordshire, but almost 92 per cent of the Sun will be obscured.
People planning to watch the phenomenon are advised to find a good vantage point with a clear western view by around 6.30pm.
The Sun will be relatively low in the sky when the eclipse reaches its peak in the Banbury area, meaning trees, buildings and other obstructions could make it difficult to see clearly.
Elevated locations with open, expansive views are likely to offer the best chance of seeing the eclipse.
Here are some of the best places around Banbury to watch this evening.
The Sun Rising Natural Burial Ground and Nature Reserve, along with the surrounding Edge Hill area, are among the highest points near Banbury and should offer expansive views across the countryside.
Anyone visiting should be mindful that the burial ground and nature reserve close at 8pm. Visitors should also only use publicly accessible areas or public rights of way and avoid entering private land.
Burton Dassett Hills Country Park is another option, with its elevated position and extensive views towards the west and north-west.
People planning to visit should be aware that the park typically closes at around 8pm and parking charges apply.
The area around Bloxham Grove, between Bloxham and Bodicote, could offer a good vantage point for those seeking an elevated position south of Banbury.
Several public footpaths run through the area, although parking is limited. Visitors should take care not to enter private land.
The surrounding countryside to the west of Wroxton may also provide a good vantage point for watching the eclipse.
Anyone heading to the area should look for a suitable public footpath or roadside viewpoint with a clear western view, while taking care not to block roads or trespass on private land.
Other options for those wishing to stay closer to Banbury include Banbury Country Park and Spiceball Park. However, trees and buildings could obstruct the view because of the Sun's low position in the sky.
Wherever people choose to watch tonight's eclipse, eye safety is essential.
The Sun should never be viewed directly without appropriate protection, even when more than 90 per cent of it is obscured.
Proper eclipse glasses meeting the ISO 12312-2 safety standard should be used. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe for viewing an eclipse.
People should also never look at the Sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless the equipment has a suitable solar filter fitted to the front.