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UK to experience partial solar eclipse on Wednesday with good viewing likely

A partial solar eclipse will be visible across the UK on Wednesday 12 August, with up to 95% of the Sun potentially obscured in Cornwall.

  • The partial solar eclipse will occur on Wednesday 12 August, starting around 18:00 BST.
  • Up to 90% of the Sun will be covered in London, and as much as 95% in Cornwall.
  • Clear skies are forecast for much of the UK, offering good viewing conditions, though cloud is possible in parts of north Wales, northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

A partial solar eclipse, described as one of the most spectacular in decades for the UK, is set to take place on Wednesday 12 August. The Moon will begin moving across the face of the Sun from approximately 18:00 BST.

At its peak, around 90% of the Sun is expected to be covered from London. In Cornwall, as much as 95% of the Sun could be obscured. The eclipse will peak between 19:02 and 19:16 BST, depending on location.

Generally dry and settled conditions are forecast for much of the UK, with a hot and sunny day expected for most, which should provide clear skies for viewing. However, areas of cloud could move through parts of north Wales, northern England, and especially Scotland and Northern Ireland between 18:00 and 19:00 BST. Some outbreaks of rain are also possible in parts of western Scotland and the north and west of Northern Ireland.

The Sun will be low in the western sky during the eclipse, so an unobstructed view towards the west, ideally from a high vantage point away from trees and buildings, is recommended.

Why this matters: This event is described as the closest thing to a total eclipse the UK will see for quite some time.

What this means for you: To best view the eclipse, find a location with a clear, unobstructed view towards the west, such as somewhere high up and away from trees and buildings.

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