A dramatic solar eclipse will be visible across the UK on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, with the Moon covering up to 95% of the Sun in some regions. This will be the greatest Sun coverage observed from the UK and Ireland since the total solar eclipse of 1999.
What Will Happen During the Eclipse
The eclipse occurs as the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, gradually obscuring sunlight. In the UK, a partial eclipse will be visible, creating an unsettling early dusk effect and a noticeable drop in temperature. Parts of Europe, including Iceland and northern Spain, will experience a total eclipse where day turns briefly into night.
A spokesman for Royal Museums Greenwich explained: "The new Moon and the Sun will gradually move closer together in the sky in the late afternoon. As the side facing us will be dark, the Moon will be invisible without specialist equipment."
Timings for London and General Advice
From London, the eclipse begins at 6:17pm BST ("first contact"), when the Moon first touches the Sun's disk. Maximum coverage of roughly 90% occurs at 7:12pm, and the eclipse ends at 8:06pm. "At the maximum, enough of the Sun will be covered to make a noticeable difference in the temperature and light levels," the spokesman added. "However, unlike with a total eclipse, the sky will not become dark – it will feel more like a cloudy day or close to dusk or dawn." They recommend finding a high point with a clear western horizon for the best view.
Regional Timings and Sun Coverage
Timings and coverage vary across the UK. All times are in BST:
- South West England (Cornwall, Plymouth, Truro): Begins 6:18pm, maximum 95-96% at 7:16pm, ends 8:10pm.
- Wales (Cardiff, Swansea, Pembrokeshire): Begins 6:16pm, maximum 93-94% at 7:13pm, ends 8:07pm.
- Northern Ireland (Belfast): Begins 6:10pm, maximum 93% at 7:08pm, ends 8:03pm.
- North West England & Midlands (Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham): Begins 6:13pm, maximum 91.5% at 7:10pm (7:11pm Birmingham), ends 8:04pm.
- London & South East England: Begins 6:17pm, maximum 91.4% at 7:13pm, ends 8:06pm.
- Scotland (Edinburgh, Glasgow): Begins 6:08pm, maximum 91% at 7:05pm, ends 8:00pm.
- North East England & Yorkshire (Leeds, Newcastle): Begins 6:12pm, maximum 90.5% at 7:09pm, ends 8:03pm.
Safety Warning
Because this is a partial eclipse and the Sun is never completely covered in the UK, it is never safe to look directly at it without certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses. Regular sunglasses or makeshift filters will not protect your eyes.
