Sharples School is inviting pupils, families, and staff to watch the Wednesday, August 12 partial solar eclipse from its observatory, with a two-hour event planned around the rare sight. The school will open its doors from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm, with solar eclipse glasses, colanders, and pinhole cameras available, alongside an astronomy quiz and treats. "It's just really, really special to be able to explain to the pupils what it is, and the fact that the moon is passing in the shadow of the sun." (Image: NQ)The observatory opened in December 2015, and is described as a unique community observatory supporting GCSE Astronomy. The eclipse is not expected to be matched by another event this close to totality until 2081, while the next total solar eclipse visible from the UK is not due until 2090, according to Royal Observatory Greenwich.