Solar Eclipse 2026 UK: Exact Times and Viewing Guide

Stargazers across the UK and Ireland are in for a treat tomorrow, August 12, as a partial solar eclipse will be visible for the first time since 1999. The Moon will cover approximately 90% to 96% of the Sun at its peak, making it the most significant solar eclipse in nearly 30 years for the region.

What to Expect During the Eclipse

The eclipse will begin at 6.17pm in London, with slight timing differences across the UK and Ireland. The Moon will gradually move across the Sun's disk, reaching its maximum coverage at 7.12pm, when around 90% of the Sun will be obscured. At this point, there will be a noticeable drop in light levels and temperature, but the sky will not become completely dark as it does during a total eclipse. Instead, conditions may resemble a cloudy day or the light seen around dawn or dusk.

After the peak, the Moon will slowly move away from the Sun until the end of the eclipse at 8.06pm. As the event takes place around sunset, both the Sun and Moon will be low in the western sky, so a high location with a clear view of the western horizon will provide the best opportunity to watch the entire phenomenon.

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Visible Across Europe

The eclipse will also be visible across much of Europe, including France, Belgium, Switzerland, and northern Italy, where around 88% to 95% of the Sun will be obscured. In contrast, people in parts of Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain will be positioned within the path of totality, allowing them to witness a total solar eclipse, during which the Sun is completely hidden by the Moon.

In 1999, a total eclipse was visible from parts of Cornwall and Devon, and a deep partial eclipse was seen elsewhere across the region.

Safety Warning

Experts have warned that only special solar eclipse glasses that are ISO 12312-2 certified for the safest eye protection should be used to view the eclipse. Other glasses that don't meet these safety standards, or ordinary sunglasses, no matter how dark, should never be worn to view an eclipse, as they reduce glare, making it feel more comfortable to look at the Sun for longer, but still allow harmful solar radiation to reach the retina.

Following the 1999 total solar eclipse, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists reported around 70 cases of people experiencing vision problems after watching the eclipse. Around 40% had looked at it for less than a minute.

Mohamed Elalfy, a consultant ophthalmologist and president of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, 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 during a solar eclipse can cause damage to the retina, potentially damaging the cells responsible for sharp central vision.

“Crucially, the retina has no pain receptors, so people will not feel the damage as it happens.

“Symptoms may only become apparent several hours later and can include blurred vision, a central blind or dark spot, distorted vision, reduced colour perception and increased sensitivity to light.

“While some people recover over weeks or months, others can be left with permanent visual impairment.”