Solar eclipse 2015: Astronomer on where's best on Teesside to witness eclipse

Astronomer Jack Youdale has travelled the globe to have the perfect eclipse experience.

The Teesside eclipse expert says that it’s a phenomenon that everyone must experience in their lifetime.

And now he’s given advice on how to get the best out of the UK solar eclipse next month in our area - and given a stark health warning about the potential for eye damage.

82-year-old Jack - who is Diane Youdale AKA Jet from Gladiators’ dad - is the president of Cleveland and Darlington Astronomical Society.

He said: “The sun is so massively bright it can damage the eyes without suitable filters and you can get special glasses to wear for this purpose.

“The filters obviously reduce that light so that no damage to the eyes is caused.

“Do not be observing the sun with your naked eye.

“You must wear protective glasses.

“You must be careful as you can damage your eyes.”

Jack travelled to Cornwall to catch the last big UK eclipse in 1999 but was let down the weather.

His quest for the perfect eclipse experience also took him to Hawaii prior to 1999 - but once again it was obscured by clouds.

But his trip to Turkey in 2006 proved fruitful.

Jack, who lives with his wife Patricia, 79, in Thorpe Thewles between Stockton and Sedgefield, said: “I remember the last one in 1999 well but was let down by the weather and the clouds got in the way.

“I had to go to Turkey for my total eclipse - and it was absolutely fantastic. Such a wonderful sight.

“It’s one of the things that people have to see before they pass on from this planet.

“A total eclipse is something very, very special and it’s really hard for me to try and explain it.

“It was more of an emotional thing for me, when the sun completely goes out.”

Astronomer Jack Youdale of Thorpe Thewles with wife Patricia

Jack has revealed that the best place to witness it in Teesside will be with the help of professionals at Wynyard Planetarium and Observatory - or in a rural spot with less chance of light pollution.

“It starts quite early in the morning and will be visible for several hours with more than 80% of the sun covered in Teesside," he said.

“It’s a very large partial eclipse.

“It will be one of the best we’ve seen for a number of years.

“The best place to see the next one in the UK will be at the Wynyard Planetarium & Observatory and the car park outside - if they are hosting an event.”

For more information about the planetarium visit this link.