A solar eclipse is expected across Europe on Wednesday evening, 12 August. A total eclipse, where the moon fully blocks the sun's light, will be visible in a wide band of north and central Spain, a sliver of Portugal, and parts of Greenland and Iceland.
Much of western Europe, including the UK, France, Belgium, Switzerland, and northern Italy, will see the light of the setting sun virtually blocked out. This will be the first total eclipse in mainland Europe in two decades, and the next comparable event visible in the UK is not expected until 2081.
In the UK, a partial solar eclipse will be visible. The Royal Observatory Greenwich calculates that in London, the partial eclipse will start at 18:17 BST, reach its maximum at 19:13 BST, and conclude at 20:06 BST. Viewers in Cornwall could experience about 96% coverage, while those in the west of Scotland may see 93% coverage, and Londoners approximately 92%.
Experts advise against looking directly at the sun with the naked eye or sunglasses due to the risk of permanent eye damage. Special eclipse glasses or a pinhole projector are recommended for safe viewing.