People across the UK buy kitchen colanders ahead of a rare solar eclipse, with multiple outlets reporting a surge in sales. The event is expected to produce one of the biggest partial views in decades, driving demand for simple viewing aids.
The eclipse is forecast to occur on Wednesday, with the Moon covering more than 90% of the Sun. Reported timings place the main period of maximum coverage between about 6:17pm and 8:06pm. Outlets also point to heightened public interest in how to watch the eclipse safely using affordable, improvised equipment.
While the coverage is largely aligned on the eclipse’s broad scale and the resulting consumer response, some sources focus more on the shopping angle, while others emphasize the astronomical timing and expected magnitude of obscuration. The underlying message across reports is that public preparation is increasing as the eclipse approaches.
