Stargazers and sky-watchers across the United Kingdom are eagerly anticipating a rare celestial event next month, as a significant partial solar eclipse is set to grace the skies on Wednesday, 12 August. This will be the most substantial solar eclipse visible from the UK in nearly three decades, with approximately 90 per cent of the sun expected to be obscured by the moon.
While a total solar eclipse will be visible to those in Greenland, Iceland, and Northern Spain, UK and Irish viewers will still experience a dramatic partial eclipse. The last time the UK witnessed such extensive coverage was during the total solar eclipse of 1999. According to Royal Museums Greenwich, a solar eclipse occurs when the Earth, moon, and sun align, with the moon passing in front of the sun and casting a shadow on Earth. It will be a considerable wait until 2090 for the next total solar eclipse to be visible from the UK.
For those planning to witness this astronomical phenomenon, geographical location within the UK will play a role in the extent of visibility. Generally, the further south-west one is, the greater the percentage of sun coverage will be. Cornwall, for instance, is projected to see up to 95 per cent coverage, with the maximum obscuration occurring around 7:16 pm. Prime viewing spots are expected to include open-sky areas from The Lizard peninsula to Land's End. Similarly, Pembrokeshire in Wales is anticipated to experience around 94 per cent coverage, with Dark Sky Discovery Sites like Poppit Sands National Park offering excellent vantage points.
Other notable locations across the UK will also offer impressive views. In London, 'first contact' between the sun and moon is expected around 6:17 pm, reaching 90 per cent coverage by 7:12 pm, with places like Primrose Hill and Greenwich Park identified as good viewing locations. Scotland will also participate in the event, with Edinburgh set to witness a 91 per cent eclipse. In Wales, including Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), around 90 per cent coverage is expected. For those able to travel to Ireland's south-westerly point, Mizen Head could offer almost 97.5 per cent coverage.
Crucially, safety remains paramount for anyone wishing to observe the eclipse. Viewing the sun directly without proper protection can cause severe and permanent eye damage. The Royal Astronomical Society strongly advises using certified eclipse glasses for safe viewing. They also provide guidance on creating simple pinhole viewers from household objects, offering an alternative and safe way to observe the event. Travellers planning to combine their eclipse viewing with a holiday should ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance that covers any unforeseen circumstances, though no specific FCO warnings are in place related to this event. Flights from major UK airports to destinations like Iceland and Spain are readily available for those wishing to experience the total eclipse, with return fares starting from approximately GBP 150-250, though these prices are likely to increase closer to the date due to demand. No special visas are required for UK citizens travelling to these European destinations.