The first partial solar eclipse since 1999 will be visible across the UK and Ireland on August 12, with the Moon covering approximately 90% to 96% of the Sun at its peak.
North East viewing times
According to NASA, the maximum eclipse will be visible across the North East at the following times:
- Carlisle - 19:07
- Kendal - 19:08
- Durham - 19:07
- Middlesbrough - 19:08
- Newcastle-upon-Tyne - 19:07
The phenomenon will also be observable across large swathes of Europe, including France, Belgium, Switzerland and northern Italy, where approximately 88% to 95% of the Sun will be concealed. Those in parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain will experience a total solar eclipse, with the Sun entirely masked by the Moon.
What to expect during the eclipse
In London, the partial eclipse begins at 6.17pm, with maximum coverage at 7.12pm when about 90% of the Sun is blocked. Light levels and temperature will drop noticeably, but the sky won't become fully dark. Conditions may resemble a cloudy day or dawn/dusk.
As the event occurs around sunset, the Sun and Moon will be low in the western sky, so an elevated spot with a clear view of the western horizon offers the best vantage point.
Safety warning
Only special solar eclipse glasses certified to ISO 12312-2 should be used. Ordinary sunglasses, no matter how dark, are unsafe as they allow harmful solar radiation to reach the retina.
Following the 1999 eclipse, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists reported around 70 cases of vision problems, with about 40% having looked at it for less than a minute. Mohamed Elalfy, consultant ophthalmologist and president of the college, said: "The safest way to enjoy the eclipse is to observe it indirectly, such as by watching a live broadcast."
Looking directly at the Sun can damage retinal cells, and since the retina has no pain receptors, damage may not be felt immediately. Symptoms can include blurred vision, central blind spots, distorted vision, reduced colour perception and light sensitivity. Some recover over weeks or months, but others may have permanent impairment.
Eclipse timings around the UK
According to the Royal Museum Greenwich:
- First contact: Edinburgh & Glasgow 6:08pm; Galway & Dublin 6:12pm; Manchester & Liverpool 6:13pm; Norwich & Birmingham 6:15pm; London, Bristol & Cardiff 6:17pm; Truro 6:18pm.
- Maximum: Edinburgh & Glasgow 7:05pm; Galway & Dublin 7:10pm; Manchester & Liverpool 7:10pm; Norwich & Birmingham 7:11pm; London, Bristol & Cardiff 7:12pm; Truro 7:16pm.
- End: Edinburgh & Glasgow 8:00pm; Galway & Dublin 8:05-8:06pm; Manchester & Liverpool 8:03-8:04pm; Norwich & Birmingham 8:04pm; London, Bristol & Cardiff 8:06pm; Truro 8:10pm.
