Solar eclipse: As Google Doodle marks celestial phenomenon, here is all you need to know in three charts

From making pinhole projectors to safely watch the phenomenon, to knowing when to head out to watch it, these graphics show you everything you need to know about Friday’s eclipse

A Hindu man watches a solar eclipse as he takes a bath in the Ganges river in the Indian city of Varanasi on July 22, 2009. The longest solar eclipse of the 21st century cast a shadow over much of Asia, plunging hundreds of millions into darkness across t (PEDRO UGARTE/AFP/Getty Images)

A solar eclipse will pass over Britain on Friday, covering the country in darkness as the moon moves in front of the sun. But it’s important to be sure when and how exactly to watch it — getting the wrong time could mean not getting to see the rare celestial phenomenon, but watching it wrongly could damage your eyes permanently.

How partial it is will depend on where in the country you are. The further south and east that the eclipse is viewed from, the more partial it will be. The best view will be at the very top of Scotland, where it will be almost total.

Wherever you are, watching the eclipse safely is absolutely paramount. If you haven’t managed to get hold of any glasses, then you can make a pinhole projector easily at home, using two pieces of paper or card, that will allow you to see the eclipse as it happens.