London is set to witness a rare partial solar eclipse on Wednesday, 12 August. During this event, the Moon will pass between the Sun and the Earth, partially blocking the Sun's light.
For those viewing from London, approximately 90% of the Sun will be obscured by the Moon. Royal Museums Greenwich states this will be the most significant coverage visible from the UK since 1999.
The eclipse is scheduled to begin at 18:17 BST, with the Moon starting to cover the Sun's edge. It will reach its maximum at about 19:12 BST and conclude around 20:06 BST.
Viewing the eclipse safely is crucial to prevent eye damage. The UK Health Security Agency advises that even though the Sun may appear dimmer, direct viewing can still harm the retina. Royal Museums Greenwich recommends using ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses, as ordinary sunglasses do not offer sufficient protection.
After this week, the UK will not experience another deep partial solar eclipse until 2050, and a total solar eclipse is not expected until 2090.