AN eclipse of the sun will bring an unmissable astronomical spectacle to Bolton and the rest of the UK on Friday morning that will not be repeated for another decade.

Here are 10 facts ahead of the solar eclipse. 

1. A solar eclipse takes place when the Earth, moon and sun are aligned and the moon's shadow touches the Earth's surface.

2. The last solar eclipse of such significance occurred on August 11, 1999, and was "total" - with 100% of the sun covered - when seen from Cornwall.

3. Another "deep" partial eclipse visible in the UK will not occur until August 12, 2026, and the next total eclipse not until September 2090.

4. The ancient Greeks believed a solar eclipse was a sign that the gods were angry and that it heralded disasters and destruction.

5.  Friday's partial eclipse will be visible across a large part of the northern hemisphere, including the whole of Europe, Greenland, Newfoundland, northern Africa and western Asia.

6. Views of the spectacular lunar phenomenon are threatened by cloudy weather across southern England and Wales but Bolton sky-watchers can expect clearer skies further north.

7. Wherever you are in Britain, there will be a stark and probably quite eerie darkening of the skies during the morning rush hour. 

8. Temperatures are expected to dip by about 3 degrees Celsius.

9.  It is very dangerous to look directly at the sun with your eyes or through a telescope or binoculars. Do so and risk permanent blindness.

10. Korean folklore tells of the sun being stolen by mythical dogs, while in Europe, the Vikings blamed wolves for consuming the sun.

How to view the solar eclipse safely in Bolton