A partial solar eclipse will be visible across the UK tonight, Wednesday, August 12, with the Moon covering more than 90% of the Sun for the first time in almost 30 years. The event will peak between 7.02pm and 7.15pm depending on location, and the sky will turn slightly dimmer as the Moon passes in front of the Sun.
Most visible since 1999
It will be the most visible partial eclipse over England since 1999, when Cornwall witnessed totality. Parts of Spain, northern Portugal and Iceland will see a total solar eclipse, the first visible over mainland Europe in 27 years. The next total solar eclipse visible from the UK will not occur until September 23, 2090.
Safety advice and key timings
The Met Office said: "The extent of the Sun's coverage and the timing of maximum obscuration will differ across the country." Advice added: "Never look directly at the Sun; use a pinhole projector or certified eclipse glasses to view it."
Key times for UK cities include: Liverpool 7.10pm, Manchester 7.10pm, Leeds 7.09pm, Sheffield 7.10pm, London 7.13pm, Belfast 7.08pm, Glasgow 7.06pm, Cardiff 7.13pm, Birmingham 7.11pm, Exeter 7.15pm, and Edinburgh 7.05pm.
Best UK locations to watch
The Met Office released a map earlier this week with advice on the best places to watch. In Plymouth, 94.66% of the Sun will be covered at 7.16pm. Cardiff will see 93.24% coverage 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.
South Western areas will experience the eclipse at its fullest, with 94% to 96% coverage. Wales and parts of the West Midlands are forecast to see 92% to 94% coverage, while other areas in the Midlands and North West will see between 90% and 92% of the Sun covered.
