A solar eclipse, one of nature's most incredible celestial experiences, will be visible next month - and there's a chance to see it safely in Shropshire.
A significant solar eclipse will be visible from Shropshire on Wednesday, August 12, during which nearly 95 per cent of the sun will be obscured by the moon.
To mark the occasion, the Shropshire Astronomical Society (SAS) will host a Space Fun Day at Rodington Village Hall near Shrewsbury, offering safe eclipse viewing and a full day of space-themed activities for all ages.
The eclipse will begin at 6.14pm BST and end at 8.05pm, with maximum coverage at 7.11pm.
Society members will be on hand from midday with special solar viewing equipment and will guide visitors through the eclipse as part of a packed programme running until midnight.
Following the eclipse, attendees will also have the chance to observe Venus through telescopes.
Later in the evening, there will be viewing of the Perseid meteor shower, which peaks on August 13.
The Perseids are the best opportunity each year to watch meteors enter the atmosphere and burn up, often leaving incandescent trails.
SAS said: "Viewing the Sun may be dangerous.
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"You should not look at the Sun or eclipse without approved eye protection or you may suffer lasting damage.
"Sunglasses are not sufficient protection.
"DO NOT LOOK AT THE SUN with Telescopes, binoculars or other optical instruments."
Should the weather be unfavourable, SAS has arranged a variety of indoor activities to keep visitors engaged.
These include hourly planetarium shows, space arts and crafts for children, and Space & Astronomy displays.
There will also be Rocks from Space, a Radio meteor watch, Live communicating with satellites, a telescope clinic, and more.
The Shropshire Astronomical Society traces its roots back to 1981 and is the main astronomical society in Shropshire.
Regular meetings are held at Rodington Village Hall on the third Saturday of each month.
The society is a member of the Federation of Astronomical Societies and is affiliated with both the British Astronomical Association and the Society for Popular Astronomy.
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