On August 12, a solar eclipse will be visible across the UK, with up to 95% of the Sun blocked in some areas. The event is tipped to be the 'most dramatic in more than three decades,' with millions expected to watch.
What Will Happen
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, casting a shadow. Total eclipses, where the Sun is completely covered, will be visible in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and a small area of Portugal. In the UK, the eclipse will be partial, but the Sun's light will dim noticeably, and the temperature will drop as the wind slows.
When to Watch in the UK
According to Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG), the eclipse will be visible at different times across the UK. In Edinburgh and Glasgow, it starts at 6.08pm and ends at 8pm, with maximum at 7.05pm. Manchester and Liverpool: 6.13pm to 8.03-04pm, maximum at 7.10pm. Norwich and Birmingham: 6.15pm to 8.04pm, maximum at 7.11pm. London, Bristol and Cardiff: 6.17pm to 8.06pm, maximum at 7.12pm. Cornwall: 6.18pm to 8.10pm, maximum at 7.16pm.
How to Watch Safely
Do not look directly at the Sun, even during a partial eclipse, as it can seriously damage your eyes. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warns that the reduced brightness can override the body's natural reflex to look away, allowing intense sunlight to damage the retina without causing pain. Use solar eclipse viewing glasses with the safety code 'ISO 12312-2' or 'ISO 12312-2:2015', as fake glasses can cause permanent blind spots. Alternatively, make a pinhole projector by poking a hole in a card and projecting the image onto another card. You can also watch the eclipse online via the Royal Observatory Greenwich's YouTube channel.
Solar Eclipse Facts
The last eclipse of this magnitude in Britain was on August 11, 1999. The next one is expected on September 3, 2081, when up to 99% of the Sun will be obscured, with a total eclipse expected on September 23, 2090. Eclipses occur because the Moon is 400 times smaller than the Sun but 400 times closer, making it exactly the right size. Historically, the Vikings thought an eclipse was wolves chasing the Sun, the ancient Vietnamese believed a frog was eating it, and early Chinese mythology held it was a dragon. In 1504, Christopher Columbus used a predicted lunar eclipse to persuade locals to supply food.
