Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 13 March 2015 16:45
On Friday 20 March, an incredibly rare Solar Eclipse will occur across Northern Europe and the Arctic - and Coats Observatory will mark this amazing celestial phenomenon with a free event for local people keen to see it.
A Solar Eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking out all or part of our view of the Sun. On 20 March the Eclipse will begin at approximately 8.30am and end at 10.45am, peaking around 9.30am. Above Paisley, the Moon will cover just over 90% of the Sun and it will become noticeably darker for a short while – more like twilight than full night.
At Coats Observatory there will be four telescopes dedicated to watching the eclipse, plus there will be special eclipse glasses available, allowing visitors to safely view this rare astronomical event as it unfolds. Staff from Coats Observatory will also be on hand to answer any eclipse questions visitors may have.
The Eclipse event will run 8.30am – 10.45am at Coats Observatory and admission is free.
In the event of clouds or inclement weather, we will run a ‘virtual eclipse’ in the Planetarium at Coats Observatory and have a live internet feed broadcasting the Eclipse from the path of totality, which makes landfall over the Faroe Islands and the Norwegian archipelago, Svalbard.
Watch safely from where you are
The Eclipse can be safely viewed without the need of specialist equipment. A very basic pinhole projector can be made by taking two pieces of card, piercing a small round hole with a drawing pin in one and letting the light from the Sun pass through this and fall on to the second piece of card, which acts like a screen. The further away the second card is the larger the image.
Please remember that the Sun’s rays are incredibly powerful. Never look at the Sun through unfiltered binoculars, telescope or even with the naked eye as permanent damage will be done to your eyes in a short period of time.
In the run up to the Solar Eclipse event
Dedicated Solar Viewing Sessions will take place at Coats Observatory on Tuesday 17, Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 March, 2pm – 4pm, where you can make your own safe solar viewer in preparation for Friday’s eclipse. Admission to these sessions is free.
Runners in Renfrewshire are set to benefit from a new running track at the On-X Sports Centre in Linwood after a contract was approved by councillors.
READ MOREACCORD Hospice is pleased to announce the return of its annual art exhibition to The Art Department in Paisley between the 26th of April and 10th May.
READ MORENow in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.
READ MOREDuring the Easter holidays, hundreds of kids across Renfrewshire have enjoyed free school holiday activity camps.
READ MORELatest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.
READ MOREThe Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair (SGF) is back for 2024, celebrating its 35-year anniversary at Scone Palace.
READ MOREDobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is inviting plant enthusiasts and foodies alike to a brand new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience at its stores nationwide.
READ MOREThis year's Springfest, set to take place this weekend, has been postponed due to forecasted high winds.
READ MOREThe Paisley 10k and Fun Run will see thousands taking to the streets when the event returns to the town on Sunday 18th August, 2024.
READ MOREEnvironmentally conscious individuals are being asked to volunteer for a new community taskforce to help protect Renfrewshire's rich riverbank habitats.
READ MOREPaisley's Spring Farmyard Trail is coming to Paisley town centre from Friday the 29th of March until Monday 15th of April.
READ MOREHistoric Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.
READ MOREJoin Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.
READ MORENoughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!
READ MOREGP Racing Simulators will incorporate 10 professional grade racing simulators, each equipped with a racing seat, steering wheel, pedals and a 43" monitor, alongside a licensed bar and dining complex.
READ MORERenfrewshire has honoured local groups and volunteers for their work in the community at the Provost's Community Awards.
READ MOREDobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.
READ MOREThe search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.
READ MOREPaisley's Learning and Cultural Hub has won a national award. The new home for Paisley Central Library won the physical category at the EDGE Awards.
READ MOREThe Easter weekend is going to be eggs-tra special at Cardwell Garden Centre this year.
READ MOREThis year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.
READ MOREA host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.
READ MOREGroups connected with the refurbishment of Paisley Museum are celebrating today after picking up an honour at the Smiley Charity Film Awards in London.
READ MORESpring is in the air and with it comes the return of one of Scotland's largest outdoor food and drink festivals to Paisley!
READ MOREDozens of people gathered together for a song and a chat at a Saturday Get-Together event in the Methodist Central Hall, Paisley.
READ MOREFull cast and creatives announced for the tour of Maggie & Me, the first stage adaptation of Damian Barr's award-winning memoir touring UK in May and June!
READ MOREThe refurbishment of Paisley Museum has won a prestigious international award, recognising the significant role the project is playing in the town and wider region’s cultural regeneration.
READ MOREDobbies today launches Dobbies Community Gardens, to offer support for community and charity groups across the UK to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces.
READ MOREA sinister story involving 'stovies' and a grisly tale about the strange sheep of Greshornish have been chosen as the winning and runner-up stories in The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition
READ MOREThe National Trust for Scotland is going hopping mad for Easter and hosting a bumper 35 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care this spring.
READ MOREGo Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"