Partial solar eclipse to be visible in Latvia on Wednesday

A partial solar eclipse will occur over Latvia on Wednesday evening, timed to coincide with sunset. Meteorologists forecast variable cloudiness across the country, with skies neither fully clear nor fully overcast anywhere. Brief rain is possible in places in the central and eastern regions.

A slow to moderate northwesterly wind is expected in the evening, with gusts along the Vidzeme coast reaching up to 13 metres per second. Air temperatures will be cooler than typical for summer, ranging from +12 to +17 degrees.

When and where to watch

Astronomers describe the event as one of the most impressive in recent years, since at its peak the Moon will cover up to four-fifths of the Sun's diameter. Because the eclipse coincides with sunset, observers are advised to choose an open location with a clear view of the western horizon, such as by the sea or a large lake.

In Riga, the eclipse will begin at 20:06, reach its maximum phase at 20:57, and the partially eclipsed Sun will set at 21:11. Timing will differ elsewhere in Latvia depending on local sunset times — in the east, maximum phase will coincide with sunset, while in the west there will be roughly a 20-minute gap between the two.

Safety warning

Experts warn that the Sun must not be viewed with the naked eye or with optical devices lacking special solar filters, as this can cause irreversible eye damage. The safest options are using certified solar filters or viewing a projected image of the Sun on a screen.