When is the solar eclipse in the UK? How to watch the solar eclipse safelyAnyone planning to watch the eclipse must never look directly at the Sun without certified eclipse glasses or suitable solar filters, even when most of the Sun is covered. Official advice for the government states, "Ordinary sunglasses - no matter how dark - do not provide adequate protection for viewing a solar eclipse. Recommended ReadingThe solar eclipse is being livestreamed by the Royal Observatory Greenwich from 6.10pm until 8pm. Will you be watching the solar eclipse?