WARRINGTON RESIDENTS will have a chance to see a spectacular partial solar eclipse this evening, Wednesday, August 12, with around 90 per cent of the Sun expected to be covered at its peak.
The eclipse will begin at approximately 6.13pm, reaching maximum coverage at around 7.10pm, before finishing shortly after 8pm.
With the Sun relatively low in the western sky, choosing somewhere with a good, unobstructed view of the horizon could be more important than simply finding the highest point.
If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse, here are some places in and around Warrington worth considering.
Walton Hall and Gardens
The open grounds at Walton Hall and Gardens make it one of the more obvious choices for an evening viewing spot.
There are large areas of open space, and its location south of the town means there are opportunities to find a position away from buildings and trees.
Walton Lea Road, Higher Walton, Warrington, WA4 6SN
Sankey Valley Park
For those on the west side of Warrington, Sankey Valley Park offers plenty of open space and long stretches of parkland.
Rather than looking for a particular viewing point, visitors could find a suitable position along the more open sections of the park with a clear view towards the horizon.
Burtonwood Nature Park
Burtonwood Nature Park is another option for residents around Burtonwood and Westbrook.
The nature park has open areas that could provide a useful outlook for the evening eclipse, although trees and vegetation mean it will be worth finding the clearest available position before the event begins.
Green Jones Brow, Burtonwood, Warrington, WA5 4LH
Hill Cliffe Cemetery
Hill Cliffe is one of the more elevated areas around Warrington and offers views across the surrounding landscape.
Its position makes it worth considering for anyone looking for a higher vantage point, particularly with the Sun sitting low towards the horizon.
12 Red Lane, Warrington, WA4 5AL
Lumb Brook Millennium Green
Over in Appleton Thorn, Lumb Brook Millennium Green provides open grassy areas and pathways where visitors may be able to find a clear sightline.
It could be a particularly convenient option for local residents who don’t want to travel far.
Cobbs Lane, Appleton Thorn, Warrington, WA4 3BY
Birchwood Forest Park
Birchwood Forest Park is another local possibility, particularly for people living in Birchwood and the eastern side of Warrington.
Because it is a wooded area, however, viewers should look for an open section with as little tree cover as possible.
Moore Nature Reserve
Moore Nature Reserve offers a very different setting, with extensive meadows, woodland and lakes between the Manchester Ship Canal and River Mersey.
The more open sections of the reserve could provide opportunities for viewing, although visitors should remain on permitted paths and take care around the site.
Further afield: Billinge Hill
If you’re prepared to travel a little outside Warrington, Billinge Hill offers an elevated position with extensive views across the surrounding area.
The summit and beacon are accessed from Beacon Road in Billinge, near Wigan, and the location is already popular with walkers looking for panoramic views.
Pennington Flash
Another nearby option is Pennington Flash Nature Reserve near Leigh.
Its large open landscape and water views make it an interesting alternative for anyone wanting to get away from built-up areas and find a clearer horizon.
Check the view before the eclipse
Whichever location you choose, it is worth arriving early enough to find a suitable position. Trees, buildings and hills can quickly block a low Sun, so an open view towards the western horizon will be particularly useful.
And remember that looking directly at the Sun without proper eye protection can cause serious and permanent eye damage.
Use properly certified solar eclipse glasses, or an indirect projection method. Ordinary sunglasses are not suitable, and cameras, binoculars and telescopes should never be used to look at the Sun without the correct solar filter.
Cloud could ultimately decide whether we get a view from Warrington, so keep an eye on the forecast and have a back-up location in mind.
Where will you be watching the eclipse? Let us know in the comments and share your photographs with Warrington Worldwide.
