ASTRONOMERS are hoping the weather will play ball as they prepare for a solar eclipse which should – meteorological conditions permitting – be visible from Jersey next week. A viewing event is being staged by the Jersey Astronomy Club to allow Islanders and visitors a chance to safely view the eclipse. The eclipse is set to start at 6.21pm and finish at 8.10pm, with the peak at 7.17pm, by which point the skies will have darkened appreciably. Forecaster Rob Plummer of Jersey Met said he was hopeful that the skies would be clear. Should the weather not be favourable, there’s always next time: the next partial eclipse visible in these parts will be on 2 August 2027, while younger Islanders can plan ahead for the next total eclipse in Jersey – on 3 September 2081.