Queen guitarist and qualified astrophysicist Brian May has been providing expert guidance on how to safely observe the solar eclipse occurring this evening (August 12). A solar eclipse takes place when the moon aligns directly between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow across our planet. While much of Europe is set to experience a total eclipse, the UK will witness a partial eclipse beginning at 6:30pm BST.
May, who earned his PhD in astrophysics in 2007, has utilized his social media platforms to share practical advice for the event. He has issued a stern warning to the public, emphasizing the importance of never looking directly at the sun. Furthermore, he cautioned against using any optical equipment, such as telescopes or binoculars, to view the sun directly, as this can cause severe and permanent eye damage.
Safe Viewing Techniques
For those hoping to witness the phenomenon, May recommends a simple, low-tech approach. He suggests creating a small pinhole in a sheet of cardboard to project an image of the sun onto a piece of white card. This method allows observers to track the progress of the eclipse safely without risking their vision.
In recent updates, May has been documenting his own preparations from Spain. While he remains hopeful about witnessing a total eclipse, he acknowledged the potential for cloud cover to obscure the view. He also took the opportunity to explain the fundamental differences between partial and total eclipses to his followers.
A Profound Experience
Speaking to BBC Newsnight, May reflected on the emotional and scientific impact of the event. "It's kind of a life-changing experience to see a total eclipse of the sun," he noted. "I just want to use my eyes and ears, every sense to absorb what I'm really taking part in."
He continued, "It's a unique experience because you feel that you know where you are in space. It's the only time that happens. You're looking in towards the centre of our solar system, the sun, and you can never do this any other time. Suddenly you realise you're on this ball of rock and it kind of feels like you could fall off; it's an amazing feeling."
Beyond his astronomical pursuits, May has also been vocal about the role of technology in the arts, recently insisting that "we actually don't need AI" after experimenting with the software to recreate a classic Queen album cover.