FOR the first time since 1999, Herefordshire – and the rest of the UK – will be in the dark during a rare solar eclipse.

The partial eclipse in Herefordshire will start at 8.23am and end at 10.38am on Friday March 20.

The last major eclipse was in August 1999 and there won't be another major partial eclipse of this magnitude until August 2026.

To celebrate the rare event, Madley Environmental Centre (MESC) is holding a day of astronomy activities on the day of the eclipse – which will be a launch to future astronomy events and workshops at the centre.

It is being supported by the Herefordshire Astronomical Society and stargazerslounge.com which is also having its annual star party in the county on the same weekend.

Events will start with a solar viewing from 8am and those with equipment to set up can enter from 7.30am.

Solar glasses will be provided to view the sun safely, and astronomers will be on hand to show views of the sun through different light frequency telescopes.

The event will be free and open to all, including groups from six local schools from the Golden Valley area.

There will also be a free star party from 7pm in the evening which will include a guide to the stars and constellations, and various talks including on photographing the stars and radio astronomy.

An eclipse of the sun happens when the moon comes between the sun and the earth.

The sun is 400 times the diameter of the Moon, yet it is about 400 times farther from the Earth, so the two appear almost exactly the same size in the sky.

For more information on either of the events see mesc.org.uk or call Louise on 01981 512561.