A partial solar eclipse is set to be visible across the UK on Wednesday, August 12. Viewers in some parts of the UK could witness more than 90% of the sun covered by the moon.
This celestial event, where the moon passes in front of the sun, will begin at 6:17 pm from London with 'first contact'. The maximum coverage, around 90%, is expected at various times across the UK, including 7:05 pm in Edinburgh and Glasgow, 7:10 pm in Manchester and Liverpool, 7:11 pm in Norwich and Birmingham, 7:12 pm in London, and 7:16 pm in Cornwall.
The eclipse will be visible throughout the UK, though those in the south west are most likely to see the greatest proportion of the sun obscured. This event is described by the Royal Observatory Greenwich as the most extensive coverage seen in the UK and Ireland since the 1999 solar eclipse.
The UK Health Security Agency advises two safe methods for viewing: using specialist eclipse viewers or indirect viewing methods. Genuine eclipse glasses must meet international safety standards. Alternatively, indirect viewing can be achieved with a homemade pinhole viewer, a colander, or a simple pinhole projector.