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4 January 2011
Last updated at 00:19 ET
Millions of people will have the chance to witness a solar eclipse as they head back to work after the Christmas break.
The east and south coasts of England will be the best place to see the phenomenon as the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth just after 0800 GMT.
It is the UK's first partial eclipse since 2008 and comes more than 11 years after the full eclipse of 1999.
But sky watchers have been warned they risk permanent damage to their eyes if they look directly at the sun.
Solar-filter glasses The government's chief medical officer, Dame Sally Davies, said children were at even more risk of serious damage and advised viewing the event on TV or the web.
People who do choose to view the event outside should wear solar-filter glasses.
BBC reporter Alison Moss said the main obstacles to viewing the cosmic phenomenon would be the clouds and hills, adding that the best place to see it would be on the coast.
She said: "The partial eclipse will be happening as the sun rises and will be best seen in the south east at around 0810 - and a little bit later the further north you are."
Lengthy wait The eclipse, which will be visible from much of Europe, North Africa and central Asia, will end at or shortly after 0930 GMT for UK viewers.
The next partial eclipse will be in 2015 - with another 79 years to wait before the next total eclipse.
Last month, the first total lunar eclipse for three years was visible in the UK, with Cornwall one of the best places to view it.
A full lunar eclipse happens when the full Moon passes through the shadow created by the Earth blocking the Sun's light.
Did you see the solar eclipse?
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7725 100 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.
Read the terms and conditions
Online Business Consulting | Internet Business Consulting
The east and south coasts of England will be the best place to see the phenomenon as the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth just after 0800 GMT.
It is the UK's first partial eclipse since 2008 and comes more than 11 years after the full eclipse of 1999.
But sky watchers have been warned they risk permanent damage to their eyes if they look directly at the sun.
Solar-filter glasses The government's chief medical officer, Dame Sally Davies, said children were at even more risk of serious damage and advised viewing the event on TV or the web.
People who do choose to view the event outside should wear solar-filter glasses.
BBC reporter Alison Moss said the main obstacles to viewing the cosmic phenomenon would be the clouds and hills, adding that the best place to see it would be on the coast.
She said: "The partial eclipse will be happening as the sun rises and will be best seen in the south east at around 0810 - and a little bit later the further north you are."
Lengthy wait The eclipse, which will be visible from much of Europe, North Africa and central Asia, will end at or shortly after 0930 GMT for UK viewers.
The next partial eclipse will be in 2015 - with another 79 years to wait before the next total eclipse.
Last month, the first total lunar eclipse for three years was visible in the UK, with Cornwall one of the best places to view it.
A full lunar eclipse happens when the full Moon passes through the shadow created by the Earth blocking the Sun's light.
Did you see the solar eclipse?
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7725 100 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.
Read the terms and conditions
Online Business Consulting | Internet Business Consulting