Much of Europe, including the United Kingdom, will have the opportunity to witness a partial solar eclipse on the afternoon of Wednesday, August 12, marking the first such event in nearly 30 years. The moon will pass directly between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow across the UK.

Unlike a total solar eclipse, the UK will experience a partial obscuration, with approximately 90% of the sun covered in London. This event is the most significant solar eclipse visible in the UK since the total eclipse in 1999, which was visible from Cornwall and Devon. This month, southwestern Ireland will see about 98% of the sun obscured, while 95% of the sun will be shadowed over Cornwall.

The sky during the partial eclipse is expected to resemble a cloudy day, or the light conditions of dusk or dawn, rather than complete darkness.

Viewing Times and Locations

In London, Bristol, and Cardiff, the eclipse will begin at 6:17 p.m. and conclude at 8:06 p.m., with the peak occurring at 7:12 p.m.

For observers in Edinburgh and Glasgow, the event is scheduled to start at 6:08 p.m. and end at 8:00 p.m., with the peak at 7:05 p.m.

Manchester and Liverpool will experience the eclipse from 6:13 p.m. until 8:03 p.m. or 8:04 p.m., reaching its pinnacle at 7:10 p.m.

Norwich viewing times are from 6:15 p.m. to 8:04 p.m., with the peak at 7:11 p.m.

Truro, in Cornwall, will see the eclipse from 6:18 p.m. until 8:10 p.m., with its peak at 7:16 p.m.

It is recommended that viewers find a location with a clear view of the horizon, such as a hill, to best observe the eclipse.

Broader Visibility

Beyond the UK, Greenland will experience a total solar eclipse in the late afternoon or early evening, with the path extending to Iceland and parts of northern Spain and the Balearic Islands. NASA reports that a small region in northern Russia will see total darkness around midday.

Those in Spain and the northwestern part of Portugal will witness their total eclipse late in the evening, shortly before sunset.

Safe Viewing Practices

According to the UK Health Security Agency, two safe methods are recommended for viewing a solar eclipse: using specialized eclipse viewers or employing indirect viewing techniques. The UK will not see another total solar eclipse until 2090.