The Met Office has published a map highlighting the best locations in the UK to observe the solar eclipse on Wednesday, August 12. This will be the first time in nearly 30 years that such an astronomical event occurs.
A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the Sun's face. People in the centre of the Moon's shadow will see a total eclipse. The UK will instead experience a partial solar eclipse, where the Sun, Moon, and Earth are not perfectly aligned, leaving the Sun with a crescent shape.
Timings and visibility
The partial eclipse will last about one hour and 50 minutes, occurring as the Sun sets. The Sun and Moon will sink lower on the horizon as the eclipse progresses. Timings vary across the UK, with the sky turning slightly dimmer at peak coverage. This will be the most coverage over England since 1999, when Cornwall witnessed totality.
Parts of Spain, northern Portugal, and Iceland will see the first total solar eclipse visible over mainland Europe in 27 years. The next total solar eclipse visible from the UK will not occur until September 23, 2090.
Forecast coverage by city
The Met Office stated: "The extent of the Sun's coverage and the timing of maximum obscuration will differ across the country." They advised: "Never look directly at the sun; use a pinhole projector or certified eclipse glasses to view it."
The map, released earlier this week, shows the percentage of the Sun covered by the Moon at each location. In Plymouth, 94.66% of the Sun will be covered at 7.16pm. Cardiff will see 93.24% at 7.13pm, Belfast 93.09% at 7.08pm, Birmingham 91.79% at 7.12pm, London 91.41% at 7.13pm, Newcastle 90.22% at 7.07pm, Edinburgh 90.71% at 7.06pm, and Inverness 90.74% at 7.03pm.
Regional variations
South Western areas will experience the eclipse at its fullest, with 94% to 96% of the Sun covered. Wales and parts of the West Midlands are forecast to see 92% to 94% coverage. Other areas in the Midlands and North West will see between 90% and 92% of the Sun covered.
