Eclipse will be STAR of the show

Stargazing LIVE comes to Jodrell Bank for the fifth time and this year is extra special as there will be a live broadcast of the solar eclipse.

The programmes will be broadcast live from the Observatory Control Room and the Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre as usual, with Professor Brian Cox and comedian Dara O Briain presenting. There will be shows on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evening, with an extra show featuring the eclipse on Friday morning.

Professor Tim O’Brien, Associate Director of the Observatory, part of The University of Manchester, will also be appearing on the show. He said of the eclipse: “This only happens in the UK every decade or so, so this is incredibly exciting.

“It will be a great chance to view the eclipse, so long as the weather is fine. It all starts from about 8.30am this Friday.

“When the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth it hides the sun from view and blocks the sunlight that usually reaches us. The sun will appear to go partly dark for about two hours as the moon passes in front of it. The sky will go quite dark but part of the sun will always be visible. It is not a total eclipse, in the UK at least.

“If it is fine remember not to look directly at the sun as it could damage your eye. Pin hole cameras are the best way to see it unless you have special glasses.”

Every year Stargazing LIVE attracts millions of viewers, from amateur astronomers to complete novices. Brian and Dara will show how we can see the history of the Universe by looking up at the night sky, followed by discussions with celebrities.

Professor O’Brien added: “We’re really pleased to be able to welcome back the Stargazing LIVE team to Jodrell Bank.  Over the last few years Stargazing LIVE has managed to open up astronomy to the public in a unique way. At Jodrell we’re incredibly proud to be part of the programme and to contribute to the growing passion for astronomy that it has ignited.”   

See this blog on the Jodrell Bank Discovery centre website for more details – including what to expect if you manage to view the eclipse from Manchester.

Notes for editors

Sam Wood
Media Relations Officer
University of Manchester
Tel: +44 (0)161 2758155
Mob: +44 (0)7886 473422
Email: samuel.wood@manchester.ac.uk