Solar eclipse: How the military is marking the event and where you can watch it

The Royal Navy Parachute Display Team are set to take to the skies over Falmouth Bay in Cornwall as the UK experiences its most significant solar eclipse since 1999. 

They are joining two other aerial display teams, with performances beginning from 18:15, with the 95% partial solar eclipse expected to peak around 19:00. 

The Royal Navy Raiders bring together experienced parachutists from across the Surface Fleet, the Submarine Service, the Royal Marines and the Fleet Air Arm.

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The military display act will trail coloured smoke and flags as they free-fall towards the bay, promising a display of precision, skill and courage.

Also on the line-up is former RAF fast jet and solo Hawk display pilot Mark Linney, who is flying in his Van’s RV-8, a high-performance aerobatic aircraft with a fighter-like appearance.

Now a commercial airline captain, Mr Linney has decades of military, airline and air display experience and will undertake a series of loops, rolls and precision manoeuvres, using an onboard smoke system to trace his movements across the sky.

Popular viewing spots include Pendennis Castle, Gyllyngvase Beach and the lawns of The Falmouth Hotel, all offering clear views towards the west-northwest horizon where the eclipse will unfold.

The event forms part of Falmouth Week, which runs until Sunday, one of the South West’s largest summer festivals.

Solar eclipse flying duties at RAF Odiham

The solar eclipse also coincides with a scheduled Chinook training flight from RAF Odiham and RAF Benson.

This will give aircrews a rare view of one of nature’s most spectacular events as they carry out routine flying duties.