Skywatchers across Liverpool are in for a spectacular evening on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, when a deep partial solar eclipse will see the Moon block about 91.8% of the sun's surface at its peak. This event marks the most significant solar eclipse visible from the UK and Ireland since the famous total eclipse of 1999.
While parts of Europe, including Iceland and northern Spain, will experience a rare total solar eclipse turning daylight into darkness, Merseyside will witness an eerie drop in brightness as the afternoon fades towards dusk. The UK will not fall within the path of totality, but Liverpool residents will see the Moon cover almost the entire sun, creating a dramatic change in the sky and a possible temporary dip in temperatures.
Timings for Liverpool
The eclipse will unfold over the evening. Key timings for Liverpool are: eclipse begins between 5:58pm and 6:13pm BST; maximum eclipse at 7.10pm BST with 91.8% coverage; eclipse ends at 8.04pm BST. At the peak, Liverpool will not be plunged into complete darkness, but unusual lighting conditions similar to a cloudy evening or moments before sunset are expected.
Experts advise finding a location with a clear view towards the western horizon, away from buildings, trees, and other obstructions, for the best view as the sun begins to set.
How the eclipse will look
As the Moon passes between Earth and the sun, it will gradually cover more of the solar disk, making the sky appear noticeably darker with changes in light quality. However, because this is a partial eclipse, the sun will never completely disappear. The remaining visible sunlight remains extremely powerful and dangerous to view without proper protection.
Eclipse across the UK
In London, the eclipse begins at around 6.17pm BST, reaches maximum coverage at 7.12pm with about 90% of the sun obscured, and ends at approximately 8.06pm. Across north west England, including Liverpool and Manchester, the event is slightly more dramatic. Liverpool sees the eclipse start at 6.13pm, peak at 7.10pm with 91.8% coverage, and end at 8.04pm.
Birmingham, Leeds, and much of northern England will see over 90% coverage, peaking just after 7.10pm. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, the eclipse starts a few minutes earlier, with Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Belfast seeing a slightly smaller but still impressive portion of the sun covered. Maximum eclipse there occurs around 7.05pm, finishing close to 8pm. The best viewing time across the UK is between 6.45pm and 7.30pm.
Safety precautions
Viewers must use certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses or approved solar viewing equipment. Ordinary sunglasses, cameras without suitable solar filters, binoculars, or homemade filters are not safe and can cause serious eye damage. The safest way to enjoy the event is to use specialist eclipse glasses throughout the entire period when looking directly at the sun.
For Liverpool residents, the August 2026 eclipse offers a rare opportunity to witness a major astronomical event from the city, with more than 90% of the sun temporarily hidden by the Moon.
