Breaking: Solar Eclipse to be seen across the entire UK on Wednesday 12 August 2026

Solar Eclipse to be seen across the entire UK on Wednesday 12 August 2026solar

A dramatic partial solar eclipse will take place across the entire UK on Wednesday 12 August 2026. It will cover over 90% of the Sun, making it the most significant eclipse visible in the country since 1999.

Key Timing and Peak Coverage

The eclipse will occur during the evening, starting from around 6:00 PM BST and concluding by 8:06 PM BST. Because the Sun will be lower in the sky, experts recommend finding an elevated vantage point with a clear view facing the western horizon.

Weather Outlook

Clear Skies: According to the Met Office, the best visibility will be across southern and eastern parts of England and Wales, where clear, unbroken skies are anticipated.

Cloud Cover: Passable cloud and occasional rain could hinder views across Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of north-west England.

How to View It Safely

Because the UK will only experience a partial eclipse (the path of total darkness passes over Iceland and Spain), the Sun will never be completely covered. Looking directly at it without proper gear can cause permanent eye damage.

Eclipse Glasses: High street stores and online retailers have largely sold out of ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses. Do not use regular sunglasses or old glasses from the 1999 eclipse, as they are unsafe.

The Colander Method: If you do not have glasses, astronomers from the Royal Observatory Greenwich suggest using a kitchen colander.

Hold it with your back to the Sun to project multiple crescent-shaped images of the eclipse safely onto the ground or a piece of paper.

Double Feature: Perseid Meteor Shower

Stargazers are in for a rare double event. A few hours after the solar eclipse concludes, the Perseid meteor shower will peak overnight into 13 August. A “new moon” phase means the night sky will be exceptionally dark, providing perfect viewing conditions for shooting stars.