Letter: Darkness at 11am

Sir: I am an eclipse chaser ("Experts challenge health chief over risks of viewing eclipse", 29 July). I have travelled to places as far and diverse as Chile and Indonesia to see total eclipses of the sun. I have now seen six and am looking forward to the seventh in Cornwall.

During the partial phases, I never look at the sun directly, nor do I stare at it continuously through Mylar filters. I use the Mylar to glance at the sun for a few seconds to check on the progress of the partial phase.

There is much to see just by looking around at wildlife, people and the changing sky colours. Looking towards the west will reveal the approach of the Moon's shadow travelling at a mile a second.

During totality it is perfectly safe to look at the eclipsed sun and indeed this is one of the most spectacular sights in all of nature. The corona is wonderful and there are often pink flames visible around the rim of the hidden sun. Stars and planets are usually visible.

The length of totality can be predicted to the nearest second. I will be near St Agnes on 11 August. Totality there is due to end at 11.13 and 11 seconds (British Summer Time). I will set my watch to the BBC blips and have the alarm come on at 11.13. I will then know that in 11 seconds I need to look away as the sun returns via the diamond ring effect.

It is possible to see a total eclipse quite safely by taking sensible precautions and by knowing what you are doing.

KRYSS KATSIAVRIADES

London N5