A total solar eclipse will be observable from British territory next year, though those on the mainland will need to journey abroad to witness the breathtaking spectacle.
Wednesday's eclipse was the most notable seen from the UK since 1999, with over 90% of the Sun obscured by the Moon at its most intense point. While sections of Spain and Iceland were cast into complete darkness as the eclipse reached totality — meaning the Moon entirely blocked out the Sun — the UK fell just short of experiencing the full phenomenon.
Gibraltar to experience 100% coverage
However, eclipse enthusiasts will have another opportunity to witness totality on 2 August next year, when a British Overseas Territory will sit directly within the path of the Moon's shadow, according to The Mirror.
Gibraltar is set to experience 100% coverage during the 2027 solar eclipse, which has been dubbed the "eclipse of the century". The event will also be visible across parts of Yemen, Saudi Arabia, North Africa and southern Spain.
In Gibraltar, totality is expected to last for an impressive four minutes and 32 seconds, with the territory briefly plunged into darkness in the middle of the day.
How to get there and where to watch
For those considering making the journey, Gibraltar is readily accessible by air, with flights to Gibraltar International Airport available from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester and Bristol through British Airways and easyJet. The territory can also be reached from Spain by road or rail, making it a viable option for those planning a broader trip through southern Spain. A number of prime viewing locations will be available across the territory.
Gibraltar Eclipse suggests that visitors could observe the event at sea level from Casemates Square, Queensway Quay or Ocean Village, while those seeking a more elevated perspective could make their way to the Skywalk in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve.
"Whether you decide to watch the eclipse at sea level from Casemates Square, Queensway Quay or even Ocean Village Resort you are guaranteed the experience of a lifetime," the organisation states. "Another option to get a little closer to the action could be The Skywalk in the upper rock nature reserve. Whatever your choice of eclipse viewing destination, you will enjoy a day you will never forget."
Longest eclipse in our lifetimes
The 2027 eclipse is anticipated to be especially breathtaking owing to the duration for which the Sun will remain entirely blocked out. Dr Ryan French, a solar astrophysicist at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics in Boulder, Colorado, described next year's event as the longest eclipse remaining in our lifetimes.
He said: "Next year's solar eclipse will actually be the longest eclipse in the remainder of our lifetimes." He further noted that weather conditions could make the occasion particularly favourable for those keen to witness the spectacle. "Crucially, the weather in August all the way along the eclipse path is pretty much guaranteed to be sunny because a lot of it is desert," he said.
