The much-anticipated solar eclipse commences shortly before 3pm today but may be obscured, depending on the vagaries of the weather.

In a 70-mile swath across North America, millions will watch a total eclipse of the sun by the moon.

The first coast-to-coast eclipse witnessed by the United States in nearly a century will be seen in Bermuda, at its height, as an 85-per-cent eclipse.

Skies over the island will start to darken at 2.51pm, with the most impressive gloom at 4.12pm — and the sun back to normal at 5.25pm.

Observers should note that, even during a partial eclipse, it is never safe to look directly at the sun; the change in light levels can inflict serious permanent damage to the retina before your eyes have a chance to adapt. Regardless of today’s weather, sky watchers should follow the event with caution.

Details are available at https://tinyurl.com/y7pel5ep.

But will the weather allow us to follow the celestial show?

Locals were disappointed in 2015 and 2014, when total lunar eclipses were eclipsed in turn by the clouds.

As of last night, the Bermuda Weather Service forecast “sunny periods” for this afternoon, with lingering patchy cloud.