Solar eclipse: The planets are in alignment for historic event.. Find out where in Scotland is the best place to see it

THE incredible event will see the Moon pass between the Earth and the Sun, blocking out most of the light in the sky.

THE planets are aligned for a historic solar eclipse over Scotland tomorrow – and the Record is helping thousands of readers experience it with free viewing glasses.

The incredible event will see the Moon pass between the Earth and the Sun, blocking out most of the light in the sky.

It’s a chance in a lifetime for many to see such a dramatic sight, with Aberdeen being one of the best places in the country to watch it happen.

The partial eclipse – when the Moon starts touching the Sun’s edge – will start about 8.30am and last until around 10.45am.

And thousands of Daily Record readers will be able to get a free pair of solar eclipse viewing glasses with their paper at Morrisons stores on a first come, first served basis today.

At least 90 per cent of the face of the Sun will be obscured wherever you are. The further north and west you go, the greater the eclipse will be.

In Glasgow, almost 94 per cent of the Sun’s disc will be blocked by the Moon.

In Portree, Kirkwall and Lerwick more than 96 per cent will be blocked and, in the far west of Lewis, the figure rises to just over 98 per cent.

Though viewing conditions are not expected to be perfect, the Met Office has said that a break in the clouds is possible.

The best places in Scotland to see the eclipse in terms of the weather should be in the east towards Aberdeen and Dundee.

The Met Office said: “There is quite a bit of cloud expected across Scotland but that doesn’t mean people won’t be able to experience the eclipse.

“Even through clouds it will be possible to see what is happening.

“The advice is you shouldn’t look at the Sun directly as that can cause serious damage to the eyes.”

A total solar eclipse happens when the Sun, Moon and Earth line up exactly.

David Warrington, Daily Record columnist and astronomer at the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory, said: “It will suddenly get dark for half an hour or so with an eerie false dawn.

“From the Borders upwards you should get this noticeable darkening and the farther north you travel, the darker it will appear to be as more of the Sun disappears behind the Moon.

“People shouldn’t look at the Sun – even during the eclipse it’ll still be bright enough to damage your eyes.”

Events will be held in many locations for the public to view the eclipse with experts – from the Dark Sky Observatory in Dalmellington, Ayrshire, to Sumburgh lighthouse, Shetland.

At Dundee’s Mills Observatory, the city’s astronomical society will be on hand at the Balgay Hill site to help visitors view the eclipse safely.

Director of observations Ken Kennedy said: “We are really looking forward to this incredible event and all we need now are clear skies.”

Coats Observatory in Paisley has also lined up a free session.There will be four telescopes, as well as special glasses available to let people safely see the Moon passing in front of the Sun.

Dumfries Astronomy Society and Dumfries Museum have teamed up to organise two solar eclipse special events.

But some who had hoped to view the eclipse have been left disappointed.

Pupils at New Machar Primary in Aberdeenshire had been looking forward to watching the cosmic event through special protective glasses, but the plan has now been shelved amid safety fears.

The last solar eclipse of such significance was in August 11, 1999.