The UK is about to witness its most spectacular solar eclipse in 11 years. Here's what you need to know
The Aug. 12 eclipse won't bring totality to Britain, but up to 98% of the sun will disappear in one of the U.K.'s most dramatic partial eclipses in decades.
A total solar eclipse is set to occur in the UK for the first time in nearly 91 years, on September 23, 2090. However, in the meantime, a deep partial solar eclipse will be visible across much of the UK on August 12, 2026. The path of totality will pass by the British Isles as it travels from Iceland to northern Spain. The maximum depth of the partial eclipse will reach 98% in certain locations, making it the UK's most significant partial solar eclipse since 2015.
While this event will be visible nationwide, it will be most impressive from specific locations such as Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons, the Pembrokeshire Coast, the South Downs, the Lake District, the Cairngorms, and the Isle of Skye. However, it is worth noting that the sun will be low on the horizon during the eclipse, so a clear, unobstructed view will be crucial.
The best time to view the eclipse in the UK is between 5:59 p.m. and 8:10 p.m. BST, with the maximum occurring around 7:05-7:13 p.m. BST. It is important to note that it is never safe to look directly at the sun without proper solar eclipse glasses. While the UK will experience a deep partial eclipse, those within the narrow path of totality will witness a completely different and more dramatic phenomenon.
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