A major partial solar eclipse will be visible from the UK and Ireland on Wednesday 12 August 2026.
At maximum eclipse, around 90% of the Sun will be covered by the Moon from much of the UK.
This will be the greatest solar-eclipse coverage seen from the British Isles since 1999.
What will happen?
The Moon will begin to move across the Sun during the early evening.
Exact times vary by location. From London, the eclipse begins at approximately 6.17pm, reaches its maximum at around 7.12pm and ends at about 8.06pm.
The Sun will be low in the western sky, so choose an observing location with a clear and unobstructed view towards the west.
Although most of the Sun will be hidden at maximum, the sky will not become completely dark as it would during a total eclipse.
Never look directly at the Sun
The remaining part of the Sun will still be bright enough to cause permanent eye damage.
Ordinary sunglasses are not suitable protection.
Safe ways to observe include:
- certified eclipse glasses marked ISO 12312-2
- a simple pinhole projector
- a telescope fitted with a proper front-mounted solar filter
- a live broadcast from a reputable observatory
Never look at the Sun through unfiltered binoculars, cameras or telescopes.
Optical equipment concentrates sunlight and can cause immediate and severe eye injury.
Check your equipment
Inspect eclipse glasses before use.
Do not use them if the lenses are scratched, torn, creased or damaged.
Children should be supervised carefully throughout the event.
With the correct preparation, the eclipse will be one of the most memorable astronomical sights visible from the UK in many years.