The United Kingdom is set to experience its first partial solar eclipse in almost three decades on the afternoon of Wednesday, August 12. The celestial event occurs as the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow over parts of the UK.
This eclipse will be significant, with the moon expected to cover approximately 90% of the sun in many parts of the country. It marks the most substantial solar eclipse visible in the UK since the total solar eclipse of 1999, which was primarily seen in Cornwall and Devon.
The extent of the eclipse will vary regionally. In London, Bristol, and Cardiff, about 90% of the sun will be obscured. Cornwall is expected to see around 95% of the sun covered, while the southwestern tip of Ireland could experience up to 98% coverage, according to the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Unlike a total eclipse that brings complete darkness, the sky during this event is anticipated to resemble a cloudy day or the light conditions of dusk or dawn.
Timing for the 'first contact' of the eclipse differs across major cities. In London, Bristol, and Cardiff, the event begins at 6:17 PM, peaks at 7:12 PM, and concludes at 8:06 PM. For those in Edinburgh and Glasgow, viewing starts at 6:08 PM, peaks at 7:05 PM, and ends at 8:00 PM. Manchester and Liverpool will see the eclipse from 6:13 PM to 8:03 PM, with the peak at 7:10 PM. Norwich's eclipse viewing window is from 6:15 PM to 8:04 PM, peaking at 7:11 PM. Truro in Cornwall will experience the eclipse from 6:18 PM until 8:10 PM, with its peak at 7:16 PM.
Experts recommend finding elevated locations with unobstructed views of the horizon, such as hills, for the best viewing experience. For international observers, Greenland will experience a total eclipse, which will also be visible in Iceland, northern Spain, and the Balearic Islands. Small parts of northern Russia are also predicted to witness total darkness.
The UK Health Security Agency advises using specialized eclipse viewers or indirect viewing methods for safe observation. Those in Spain and northwestern Portugal will witness their partial eclipse late in the evening, close to sunset. The UK will not see another total solar eclipse until 2090.