TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Skywatchers across the United Kingdom (UK) are set to witness the country's most dramatic solar eclipse in more than a quarter of a century when the Moon obscures up to 95 percent of the Sun on August 12, 2026.
Although Britain will not experience a total solar eclipse, astronomers say the event will be the deepest partial eclipse visible from the UK since the celebrated 1999 eclipse. The phenomenon will also be visible across much of Europe, while observers along a narrow path stretching from Greenland and Iceland to northern Spain will witness totality.
As reported by BBC Sky at Night Magazine, the eclipse offers one of the best opportunities in decades for UK residents to observe a major celestial event, with another total solar eclipse not expected to be visible from the country until 2090.
What Is a Solar Eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, blocking part or all of the Sun's visible disk.
During a partial solar eclipse, only part of the Sun is covered by the Moon. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely obscures the Sun for observers located within the path of totality, briefly turning daylight into twilight while revealing the Sun's faint outer atmosphere, known as the corona.
The phenomenon is possible because, despite being about 400 times smaller than the Sun, the Moon is also approximately 400 times closer to Earth, allowing both objects to appear almost the same size in the sky.
Although solar eclipses occur somewhere on Earth roughly every 18 months, they are extremely rare from any single location, making each event highly anticipated.
When Will the Eclipse Happen?
The eclipse will take place on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, during the early evening.
Across much of the UK, the eclipse is expected to:
- Begin at approximately 6:17 p.m. BST
- Reach maximum coverage around 7:12–7:13 p.m. BST
- End shortly after 8:00 p.m. BST
The event will last nearly two hours, with the Sun sitting low over the western horizon throughout the eclipse.
Because it occurs close to sunset, astronomers recommend choosing a viewing location with an unobstructed view toward the west.
Where Will the Best Views Be?
Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are expected to enjoy the deepest eclipse in the UK, with approximately 95 percent of the Sun covered.
Other parts of southwest England—including Devon, Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire—should experience around 90 percent coverage.
London will also enjoy an impressive partial eclipse, with elevated parks and open spaces providing some of the city's best viewing locations. Popular recommendations include:
- Greenwich Park
- Primrose Hill
- Parliament Hill
- Alexandra Palace
- Crystal Palace
- Telegraph Hill
Across the West Country, astronomers recommend elevated locations such as Exmoor National Park, Cleeve Hill, Little Solsbury Hill and Land's End.
Elsewhere in Europe, observers in Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain will experience the eclipse in totality.
Will the Sky Go Dark?
Unlike a total eclipse, the UK will not experience complete darkness.
However, astronomers expect enough of the Sun to be blocked to noticeably reduce daylight and slightly lower temperatures.
The Royal Observatory Greenwich says conditions may resemble a heavily overcast afternoon or the moments just before sunset rather than true nighttime.
How to Watch the Eclipse Safely
Looking directly at the Sun without proper protection can cause permanent eye damage.
Experts recommend using only ISO 12312-2 certified solar eclipse glasses throughout the partial eclipse.
Ordinary sunglasses—even very dark ones—are not safe.
People using cameras, binoculars or telescopes must also fit certified solar filters over the front of their equipment.
For those without eclipse glasses, several indirect viewing methods are recommended:
- Make a simple pinhole projector.
- Observe sunlight passing through a kitchen colander.
- Watch crescent-shaped sunlight projected through gaps between tree leaves.
Many astronomical societies will also host free public viewing events using specially filtered telescopes.
The Royal Observatory Greenwich will stream the eclipse live online for those unable to observe it in person.
Can You Photograph It?
Photographers can safely capture the eclipse using certified solar filters.
Experts recommend placing eclipse glasses over a smartphone camera lens for basic photographs.
For DSLR or mirrorless cameras, a dedicated solar filter attached to the front of a telephoto lens is essential. Tracking mounts can further improve close-up images by compensating for Earth's rotation.
Why This Eclipse Matters
The August 2026 eclipse is widely regarded as the UK's best solar eclipse since August 1999.
For many Britons, it will also be the last major eclipse visible from home for decades.
While total solar eclipses occur around the world every few years, the chance to witness one—or even a deep partial eclipse—from the same country is exceptionally rare.
As astronomers note, the 2026 event offers a reminder of the remarkable celestial alignment between the Earth, Moon and Sun—and an opportunity unlikely to be repeated in Britain until the end of the century.
Read: Sydney's 2028 Total Solar Eclipse: What to Know and How to Watch
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