The partial solar eclipse will be visible across the UK on Wednesday evening, with peak times varying by location. The Moon will move between the Sun and Earth, blocking its light and casting a small shadow on Earth for just under two hours.
This year marks the greatest coverage visible from the UK since 1999, according to Royal Museums Greenwich, with around 90% of the Sun covered by the Moon for people watching from London.
Peak times for major UK cities
In London, the Moon will begin to cover the edge of the Sun at 6.17pm, reaching its maximum at around 7.12pm and finishing at 8.06pm. In Manchester, the eclipse is due to begin at 6.13pm, peak at 7.10pm, and finish at 8.03pm.
In Cardiff, viewers can expect the eclipse to start at 6.16pm, peak at 7.13pm, and finish at 8.06pm. The Isles of Scilly off Cornwall, one of the best viewing spots in the country, have a slightly earlier start time of 6pm, followed by a peak at 7.16pm before it finishes at 8.05pm.
Coverage and viewing conditions
The South and South East of the country are likely to have the clearest skies, allowing for the best views, whereas Scotland and Northern Ireland have a higher chance of thick cloud and rain.
Dr Carys Herbert, an astronomer at Royal Observatory Greenwich, said Cornwall will experience 96% coverage, West Scotland 93%, and London 92%. She added: "It will be low on the horizon. So anyone who is wanting to go and see it should probably find a spot with a nice view to the western horizon without any buildings or trees in the way. Everyone in the UK is going to have a very good eclipse."
Elsewhere, the Moon will block 95% of the Sun in Plymouth, and 93% in Cardiff and Belfast.
Total eclipse in Spain
Brits currently enjoying their summer holidays in Spain will fare even better, as parts of the country plunge into a total eclipse - when the Moon completely covers the Sun. It will also enjoy little to no cloud coverage, bringing clear skies perfect for viewing the event. In León, the total eclipse will be visible at 8.28pm local time, 8.29pm in Zaragoza, and at 8.32pm in Valencia.
Wherever you're watching from, make sure to wear special eclipse glasses to protect your eyes from the Sun's damaging rays. Legitimate eclipse glasses will have the safety certification "ISO 12312-2" or "ISO 12312-2:2015" printed somewhere on them.
