ASTRONOMERS are hoping a phenomenon in the Kendal sky will eclipse anything that has come before.

On Friday, March 20, a partial solar eclipse will be visible and the local astronomical society are hosting an 'Eclipse Watch' for excited onlookers.

It will be held at Kendal's Abbot Hall Park from 8am where the Eddington Astronomical Society will be setting up telescopes, cameras and other equipment in preparation for the main event.

Pairs of solar viewing glasses will be on hand to ensure people view the phenomenon safely.

A spokesperson for the astronomical group said: "If you’re thinking 'why should I come to the Eclipse Watch? Won’t it be visible from everywhere?' Well, that’s true, but although there is lots of good advice available about watching solar eclipses safely, and anyone who follows the advice of experts and uses the correct equipment and techniques can watch one perfectly safely. The best way to watch a solar eclipse – as is the case with fireworks – is at an organised event run by people who know what they’re doing and that’s why we’re holding this event. We hope that lots of people will come and join us at our exciting Eclipse Watch to watch this incredible event in safety, especially local schools.

The event is free and will go ahead even if the sky is cloudy on the day.