Solar Eclipse (Partial) - plus (optional) Perseids after dark

About this event

There is a partial (but quite deep) solar eclipse on August 12 — for a total eclipse you'd need to be in Spain, Iceland, Greenland. Join us to see it together on Tooting Common (near Dr. Johnson Avenue car park and bus stop). It's the best one since 1999! Picnic too? Eclipse Start: 6:17pm (moon & sun edges first intersect) Maximum coverage (91%): 7:13pm (slightly darker sky, cooler) Eclipse End: 8:06pm (moon leaves sun, near horizon; hard to track but should still be visible) (sunset: 8:28; other planet/meteor/star-gazing from near 9pm or later, see below) As a partial eclipse it will only get a little darker and cooler, but if weather allows, we will be able to see the moon as it crosses the sun up to 91.43% covered, and use suitably filter-protected equipment to see it safely close-up and any current sunspots during the event. I'll bring my telescope with a Baader solar filter as will a few others for more detailed views. I'll also have a good number (but will run out, so arrive early) of FREE card solar eclipse glasses for anyone who needs one. If you have any already, or other viewing tools — even a card pinhole viewer (one how-to article (https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/watch/solar-eclipse-and-how-to-view#pinhole)/another (https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/advice/solar-eclipse-projection)) or colander you're ready to share views with, please bring them (and explain safe usage to anyone you allow to use it)! Especially if you have a specialised highly-filtered solar-scope showing prominences and the hydrogen-alpha wavelengths view (am offering travel cost and carrying help for those). I'll also provide some card to make pinhole projector viewers - a fun activity for kids too, if done under supervision (pins=sharp!). ⚫ Important Safety Notice: DO NOT STARE AT THE SUN OR USE ANY OPTICAL EQUIPMENT WITHOUT PROPER GUIDANCE AND SAFETY. Non-eclipse sunglasses won't protect your eyes/retinas from UV/heat when looking directly at the sun, even through any cloud (& your retinas don't have pain sensors so no danger warning). Families welcome, but please keep watch on children in your care for their safety - any equipment brought must be suitably protected and watched at all times so no safety filters are removed/knocked off while pointed towards the sun or other risks. If it's windy, protections must be secure against that too. Please also beware physical hazards like tripod legs and adjustment knobs or screws sticking out/metal corners, batteries, or just someone who was so busy looking up or into an eyepiece, that they didn't see you. If eating/drinking, try to avoid sticky fingers on others' equipment and a risky level of impairment; consider allergens (large groups usually include a few sensitive people). Tooting Common allows alcohol but authorities may confiscate or order you not to drink if any issues. I expect some passers-by may be interested to join us, we're happy to welcome them in as long as they know the safety guidance and behave responsibly. Everyone must respect others. 🏥Nearest hospital: St. George's, Tooting. ⚫After the Eclipse: There's more to stargaze if you can wait a while after sunset (8:28, but dark enough \~ 9:15) — chat/eat/.. meanwhile? — but please help tidy any rubbish when you leave. Leaving early? Others might appreciate using spare eclipse glasses if you had but don't need them anymore. Want a group to walk back to a station/stop? Ask the organiser(s) for help. Staying? Bring warmer clothing if so; first-time star-party attenders almost always regret not doing so. Perseids (from \~ 9:15pm or later): The same day is also the Perseid meteor (https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/space-astronomy/perseid-meteor-shower-guide-uk-when-where-to-see) shower peak (runs \~ 17 July to the end of August), and the forecast is good. If enough people want to stay past the eclipse and sunset (8:28) until it's dark enough to spot shooting stars, let's continue the meet for that. Why not chat/eat/add warmer clothes/pop ou