The solar eclipse on August 12 will be the most significant since 1999, with the Moon passing between the Sun and Earth for nearly two hours in the evening. For UK viewers, the best spot to witness this rare event is Exeter, where the Moon will cover 94% of the Sun.
Majorca Offers Total Eclipse View
Majorca is on track to see a total solar eclipse, with forecast maps suggesting around 90% of the Sun will be covered. The event will occur near sunset, providing a dramatic view. The path of totality will pass just south of Palma, placing the capital in a prime position.
In Palma, the sunset eclipse is expected to last about one minute and 36 seconds, starting at approximately 8.31pm CEST (7.31pm BST). The eclipse will sweep across the Iberian Peninsula from west to east, passing over cities including A Coruña, Oviedo, León, Bilbao, Zaragoza, and Valencia before continuing over the Mediterranean.
UK Viewing Times and Coverage
While the UK will only get a partial view, it will be the most significant since 1999. Exeter will see the highest coverage at 94%, with the eclipse occurring at 7.15pm. London and Cardiff will both witness it at 7.13pm, but Cardiff will see 93.2% coverage compared to London's 91.4%.
Forecasts indicate that southern and eastern parts of England, especially the South West, are likely to have clearer skies.
Safety Advice for Viewing
Never look directly at the Sun, even during an eclipse, as it can severely damage your eyes. Use certified eclipse glasses that meet the international safety standard (ISO 12312-2) or specially designed solar filters for telescopes, binoculars, or cameras.
