A partial solar eclipse will be visible across the UK on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. With approximately 90 per cent of the sun obscured, it promises to be the most stunning solar eclipse in nearly 30 years. While Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain will experience totality, UK viewers will see a deep partial eclipse.
Why You Need Eye Protection
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, partially or entirely blocking the sun's light. Despite the sun being obscured, it remains exceptionally dangerous to look directly at an eclipse without proper eye protection. Specially manufactured eclipse glasses offer considerably stronger UV protection than ordinary sunglasses and allow you to view the sun directly without harming your eyes.
How to Make a Pinhole Projector
If you can't get eclipse glasses, a DIY pinhole projector is a safe alternative. Twinkl Resources posted a step-by-step video on TikTok explaining how to construct one. You will need a cardboard box, a white piece of paper, glue or sticky tape, kitchen foil, and a pair of scissors.
Step-by-step:
- Grab a cardboard box.
- Cut out a white piece of paper and stick it to one side of the box.
- On the opposite side, cut out two square holes.
- Cover one square hole with kitchen foil, sticking it down with tape.
- Use a pin to poke a small hole in the centre of the foil.
- Make sure the box is completely sealed at the top, so the only gaps are the pin hole and the empty square.
How to Use the Projector
On the day of the eclipse, go outside with your back to the sun. Angle yourself so sunlight falls directly onto the kitchen foil, allowing light to pass through the pinhole. Hold the box up to your face and look through the second square hole. You should see the sun's image projected onto the white paper at the far end of the box, where you'll witness the eclipse.
Other Safe Viewing Methods
The most dependable approach is to wear specialist eclipse glasses. According to Royal Museums Greenwich, your glasses must display a safety certification marked either 'ISO 12312-2' or 'ISO 12312-2:2015'. Be cautious with old glasses, as damaged or scratched lenses may no longer offer sufficient protection.
For those who prefer to watch from home, the Royal Observatory will be live streaming the eclipse on 12th August, providing a free broadcast from London.
