A solar eclipse is a celestial event that occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth and either fully or partially blocking the Sun’s light. The type of eclipse you see depends on your location and the specific alignment of the three bodies. There are three main types of solar eclipses:
Total Solar Eclipse: The Moon completely covers the Sun, and the sky darkens dramatically. This allows for a rare opportunity to see the Sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere.
Partial Solar Eclipse: The Moon only partially covers the Sun, creating a crescent or “bitten” appearance.
Annular Solar Eclipse: The Moon is too far from Earth to completely cover the Sun, leaving a bright ring of sunlight visible around the Moon’s silhouette. This is often referred to as a “ring of fire.”
For a comprehensive understanding, remember that eclipses are a dance of shadows and light. The Moon’s shadow has two parts: the central, darker umbra, and the lighter, outer penumbra.
The August 12, 2026, Partial Solar Eclipse
The August 12, 2026, eclipse will be a total solar eclipse for parts of the world, including Iceland and Spain. However, for observers in the UK, it will be a partial solar eclipse. The amount of the Sun that will be covered by the Moon will vary across the country, with locations in the north and west generally experiencing a higher magnitude of obscuration.
For example, the Scilly Isles are predicted to see a whopping 96% obscuration, making it a spectacular sight, while London will see around 91.38% coverage. This is a far more substantial event than the small partial eclipse that was visible on March 29, 2025.
Key Timings for London (BST):
Partial eclipse begins: 6:17 PM
Maximum eclipse: 7:13 PM
Partial eclipse ends: 8:06 PM
It’s crucial to note that these times are approximations, and it’s always best to check specific timings for your exact location, as they can vary slightly. Reputable sources like the Royal Museums Greenwich and Timeanddate.com offer precise timings.
How to Safely View a Solar Eclipse
Never look directly at the Sun during an eclipse without proper eye protection. Staring at the Sun, even when it’s partially covered, can cause permanent eye damage or even blindness. This is because the Sun’s intense ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation can burn the retina.
Step-by-Step Guide for Safe Viewing:
Get the right gear: The safest way to look directly at the Sun is with certified solar eclipse glasses. Look for glasses that are ISO 12312-2 certified. This certification ensures they meet international safety standards. Do not use regular sunglasses, camera filters, or any other unapproved methods.
Use a pinhole projector: This is a simple, effective, and safe way to view the eclipse. You can make one at home with a few basic items.
Method: Take two pieces of stiff white card or paper. Punch a small, clean hole in the center of one card. With your back to the Sun, hold the card with the hole up to the light, and let the Sun’s image project through the hole onto the second card. You’ll see a small, inverted image of the eclipsed Sun on the second card.
Use a telescope with a solar filter: If you own a telescope, you must use a specialized, certified solar filter that fits over the front of the telescope’s objective lens. Do not use eyepiece solar filters, as they can heat up and crack, causing serious eye damage.
Try colander projection: An ordinary kitchen colander can also act as a pinhole projector. The multiple holes in the colander will project dozens of tiny, crescent-shaped images of the eclipsed Sun onto the ground.
Recent Trends and Real-Life Examples (as of 2025)
The popularity of solar eclipse viewing has surged in recent years, driven by social media and improved access to information. The total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024, which crossed North America, was a massive event. Millions of people traveled to the path of totality, highlighting the global fascination with these astronomical spectacles.
For the UK, the most recent significant solar eclipse was the partial eclipse on March 29, 2025. This event, though less dramatic than the one in 2026, still captivated many sky-watchers. Communities and astronomical societies across the UK held viewing events, often with live streams from telescopes. This trend is expected to continue for the 2026 eclipse, with many people planning trips to see the event from locations with the best views.
The last total solar eclipse to be seen from the UK was on August 11, 1999. The path of totality passed over parts of Cornwall, creating a memorable experience for thousands of people. The next total solar eclipse to grace UK skies won’t be until September 23, 2090.
Understanding the 2026 Partial Solar Eclipse
The partial eclipse of August 12, 2026, will be a part of a larger total solar eclipse whose path of totality will cross Greenland, Iceland, and Spain. For observers in the UK, the eclipse will be a dramatic partial event. In London, for example, the eclipse will reach its maximum around 7:13 PM BST, with over 90% of the Sun covered. The eclipse will start around 6:17 PM and end at 8:06 PM, lasting for nearly 1 hour and 49 minutes. Observers in more northerly and westerly locations will experience a greater magnitude of the eclipse.
The Total Solar Eclipse of 2090
The total solar eclipse on September 23, 2090, is a highly anticipated event for the UK as it will be the first total solar eclipse visible from the country since 1999. The path of totality will sweep across southern Ireland and the southern United Kingdom, including regions like Cornwall, Devon, and the Isle of Wight. The eclipse will occur in the late afternoon, with totality lasting for a few minutes in a narrow band across the country. This will be a rare opportunity to witness the spectacular solar corona and a darkened sky during the day.
Safe Viewing Practices: A Step-by-Step Guide
It’s critical to observe solar eclipses safely to prevent permanent eye damage. Looking directly at the Sun, even during an eclipse, is extremely dangerous. Here are some of the safest methods:
Use Certified Eclipse Glasses: The easiest and most common method is to use special ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses. These glasses have filters that are thousands of times darker than regular sunglasses and block harmful UV and infrared light. Always inspect them for scratches or damage before use.
Build a Pinhole Projector: This is a safe, low-tech way to view the eclipse indirectly. All you need are two pieces of cardboard. In one, make a small hole with a pin. With your back to the Sun, hold the cardboard up and let the sunlight pass through the hole. An inverted image of the eclipsed Sun will be projected onto the second piece of cardboard or a white surface below.
Use a Colander: A kitchen colander can also act as a simple pinhole projector. The multiple holes in the colander will project dozens of tiny images of the crescent Sun onto the ground.
Telescopes and Binoculars with Proper Filters: Never look at the Sun through an unfiltered telescope or binoculars. You must use a special-purpose solar filter securely attached to the front of the optics.
What to Expect During a Total Eclipse
During the moments leading up to and during totality, a few fascinating phenomena occur:
Shadow Bands: Just before and after the total eclipse, faint, shimmering, wavy lines known as “shadow bands” may be visible on the ground or on a white surface. They are caused by atmospheric turbulence distorting the thin crescent of sunlight.
Baily’s Beads: As the Moon’s rugged, mountainous surface moves across the Sun, beads of sunlight will shine through the valleys along the edge of the Moon. This effect is known as Baily’s Beads and is the final bit of sunlight visible before totality.
The Solar Corona: During the brief period of totality, the Sun’s outer atmosphere, the corona, becomes visible as a pearly-white halo around the dark disk of the Moon. This is the only time the corona can be seen with the naked eye.
The Path of the 2026 and 2090 Eclipses
The August 12, 2026, Partial Solar Eclipse
While not a total eclipse for the UK, this event will be the most significant solar spectacle for the country in decades. The total eclipse’s path of totality will pass over Spain, Iceland, and Greenland.
The UK will be in the wide penumbral shadow, meaning observers will see a substantial partial eclipse. The magnitude of the eclipse—the fraction of the Sun’s diameter covered by the Moon—will be highest in the north and west of the UK.
For instance, in parts of Scotland, the Sun will be over 90% obscured. This will lead to a noticeable dimming of daylight, creating an ethereal, twilight-like atmosphere. The event will take place in the late afternoon, creating a unique opportunity for sunset photography as the Sun sets as a thin crescent.
The September 23, 2090, Total Solar Eclipse
This is the main event for future generations in the UK. The path of totality will cross a narrow band of southern England and Ireland. Key cities and regions expected to be within the path of totality include:
Cornwall: Known for its dramatic coastline, this region will be one of the first in mainland UK to experience totality.
Devon: The path will also sweep across parts of Devon, offering a stunning view for local residents and visitors.
The Isle of Wight: Observers on the island will be positioned for an excellent view of totality.
The maximum duration of totality for this eclipse is predicted to be over 3 minutes and 30 seconds at its peak in the Atlantic Ocean, with UK viewers experiencing a slightly shorter, but still substantial, period of totality.
FAQs
When is the next total solar eclipse in the UK?
The next total solar eclipse with a path of totality crossing the UK will be on September 23, 2090.
Will the weather affect my view of the eclipse?
Yes, clouds can completely obscure your view of the eclipse. It’s a good idea to check local weather forecasts and, if possible, have a plan to travel to an area with clearer skies.
What is the difference between an eclipse and a transit?
A solar eclipse is when the Moon passes in front of the Sun. A transit is when a planet, such as Mercury or Venus, passes in front of the Sun. Transits are much rarer and the planet appears as a tiny black dot against the Sun’s disk.
Why is a total solar eclipse so rare in the UK?
A total solar eclipse requires a very specific alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth, and the Moon’s umbral shadow is very narrow. The UK is located in a part of the world that is not frequently in the path of totality for these events.
Can I photograph the eclipse with my phone?
You can, but you must use a certified solar filter in front of your phone’s camera lens. Without a filter, you risk damaging your phone’s camera sensor and, more importantly, your eyes if you try to frame the shot by looking at the screen.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming partial solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, offers a fantastic opportunity to witness one of nature’s most impressive shows. While not a total eclipse for the UK, it will still be a significant event, and with a few simple safety precautions, you can enjoy it with friends and family. Mark your calendars and prepare to be amazed by the cosmic alignment.
To read more, Londondays
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