People across the Isle of Man will be treated to a spectacular sight next week when an almost total eclipse of the Sun takes place.

Around 93% of the Sun will be obscured as the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun on Wednesday (August 12).

Astronomy lecturer and Isle of Man Astronomical Society founder Howard Parkin said the event would be one of the most significant eclipses visible from the island for decades.

He said: 'Events like this happen somewhere in the world every year, but they are usually only small partial eclipses where the Moon covers just a fraction of the Sun.

'The last time we had a total eclipse visible from the Isle of Man was in the 17th century.'

Although there have been several partial eclipses since then, including one in March last year, the last major eclipse in 1999 was largely spoiled by cloud.

Mr Parkin said: 'The eclipse will begin at 6.10pm, reach its maximum at 7.11pm and finish shortly after 8pm.

'It will be low on the western horizon, so Peel or another location in the west of the island will provide some of the best viewing.'

The eclipse will gradually become more noticeable as the Moon covers an increasing portion of the Sun before reaching its maximum, after which the sunlight will slowly return as the Moon moves away.

However, he warned people not to look directly at the Sun without proper protection.

'It is dangerous and you can damage your eyes if you stare at it. The best way to watch is with solar eclipse glasses,' he said.

Unlike ordinary sunglasses, eclipse glasses block harmful infrared and ultraviolet light.

For anyone without eclipse glasses, Mr Parkin suggested making a simple pinhole camera.

'You can create one using an old shoebox, allowing sunlight to pass through a small hole and project an image of the eclipse. It can be great fun for children,' he said.

While the Isle of Man will experience a partial eclipse, a total eclipse will be visible across parts of Greenland, Iceland, western Ireland and northern Spain.

Mr Parkin said: 'I'm heading to Majorca to see the total eclipse, which will be my fourth. There will be another next year in North Africa and I'll be travelling to Morocco for that one.'

There is also encouraging news on the weather front.

A spokesperson for the Ronaldsway Met Office said: 'There will be a good chance of seeing the eclipse. A weak weather front during the middle of the day should clear by the evening. While there will be some cloud, skies should be largely clear later in the day.'

Skywatchers who stay out after sunset will also be able to enjoy the Perseid meteor shower, which is expected to peak overnight into Thursday morning, with up to 100 meteors visible each hour.