On Wednesday, August 12, a partial solar eclipse will be visible across the UK and Ireland, with around 90-96% of the Sun covered by the Moon shortly after 6pm. This will be the most coverage over England since 1999, when Cornwall witnessed totality.
Timings across the UK
The exact timings will vary depending on location. In Liverpool, the eclipse begins at 6.13pm, peaks at 7.10pm, and ends at 8.03pm. The South West of England is expected to see the greatest proportion of the Sun covered.
Total eclipse elsewhere
Parts of Spain, northern Portugal, and Iceland will experience a total solar eclipse, the first over mainland Europe in 27 years. The next total eclipse visible from the UK won't occur until September 23, 2090.
Safety first
It is crucial never to look directly at the Sun without proper solar viewing equipment. Certified eclipse glasses, solar filters for telescopes and binoculars, or indirect methods like pinhole projectors are safe ways to observe the event.
Professor Jim Wild, President of the Royal Astronomical Society, encouraged everyone to enjoy the spectacle safely, stating: "With the right precautions, this eclipse promises to be an inspiring experience for seasoned astronomers and first-time skywatchers alike."
