The most dramatic solar eclipse visible from the UK since 1999 is just days away. On August 12, the Moon will pass directly between the Sun and Earth, blocking some or all of the Sun's light from reaching our planet.
Across much of Europe, including the UK and Ireland, skygazers will see an impressive partial solar eclipse, with around 90 per cent of the Sun covered by the Moon in many locations. A total solar eclipse, where the Moon completely covers the Sun, will be visible along a narrow path crossing Greenland, Iceland, Spain, northern Russia and a small area of northern Portugal. It will be the first time in more than a century that mainland Spain has experienced a total solar eclipse.
What is a solar eclipse and how often does it happen?
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves directly between the Sun and Earth. During an eclipse, the Earth is within the Moon's shadow. Because the Moon is much smaller than the Earth, its shadow only covers a small area of the Earth's surface, so the eclipse can only be seen from specific parts of the planet. There are usually between two and five solar eclipses each year, with a total solar eclipse occurring somewhere on Earth roughly every 18 months.
Which parts of the world will see the eclipse?
A total solar eclipse will be visible from parts of Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain and north-east Portugal. A partial solar eclipse will be visible across much of Europe, parts of Africa, North America, the Atlantic Ocean, the Arctic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
What time is the solar eclipse in the UK?
The exact timings will vary depending on your location. In London, Bristol and Cardiff, the eclipse will begin at around 6.17pm, reach its maximum at around 7.12pm and finish at around 8.06pm, according to Royal Museums Greenwich.
According to the Royal Observatory Greenwich, viewers in London will see roughly 90 per cent of the Sun covered. The observatory says places in the south-west of the UK will see the greatest coverage: Cornwall will experience around 95 per cent, while Pembrokeshire in south-west Wales will see around 94 per cent. Those able to travel to the south-west of Ireland will see almost 97.5 per cent of the Sun obscured.
Which parts of the world will not see the eclipse?
Large parts of the world will miss out, including most of South America, southern Africa, Australia, New Zealand and much of Asia, because the event will happen at night or while the Sun is below the horizon. Those unable to view it in person can watch online, with the European Space Agency hosting a live webcast from Spain's Astrophysical Observatory of Javalambre, alongside a public celebration in León. NASA and the Italy-based Virtual Telescope Project will also provide coverage.
Is it safe to look at a solar eclipse with sunglasses?
No. Regular sunglasses are not dark enough to block harmful solar radiation, which can severely damage your retinas. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that the Sun may appear less bright than usual during an eclipse, making it easier to look at it directly. However, harmful radiation can still reach your eyes and cause damage, often without any immediate discomfort or warning signs. The Royal College of Ophthalmologists reported around 70 cases of vision problems after the 1999 total solar eclipse, with around 40 per cent of those affected having observed it for less than a minute.
How can I watch the solar eclipse safely?
The UKHSA recommends two safe ways: using specialist eclipse viewers or indirect viewing methods. If using eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers, ensure they are genuine and fitted with filters meeting the international safety standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E). Genuine eclipse glasses are available from reputable retailers, including Royal Museums Greenwich. Never use eclipse glasses if the lenses are scratched, torn or damaged. Another safe method is a pinhole projector: make a small hole in a piece of card and project an image of the Sun onto a surface, allowing you to view the eclipse without looking directly at the Sun.
