20 Mar 2015

Solar eclipse: how to watch

9:05 pm on 20 March 2015

Millions of people in the UK and Europe could witness the best solar eclipse in years - and New Zealanders may also be able to watch online from home.

Tourists ride dog sleds outside of Longyearbyen, Svalbard, ahead of the 20 March total solar eclipse.

Tourists ride dog sleds outside of Longyearbyen, Svalbard, ahead of the 20 March total solar eclipse. Photo: AFP

The event, in which the moon slowly covers up the sun, is due to happen tonight at about 9.30pm NZDT.

Britain will not see a solar eclipse on this scale again until 2026 however the forecast is not particularly encouraging, the BBC reported.

Experts are also warning people not to look directly at the sun during the eclipse because it could cause serious harm.

The internet may be a good option if the weather disappoints and for those in other regions.

Scientific agencies have planes and even satellites gathering video to relay on the web and on television.

Next year will have a total solar eclipse too. That will occur on 9 March, and will cross Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi and extend out over the Pacific.

Watch the solar eclipse live via community space observatory Slooh

Watch a live stream via The Telegraph

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