On Wednesday, 12 August, the UK and Ireland will experience a partial solar eclipse, with approximately 90 per cent of the sun obscured by the moon. This event marks the most significant solar eclipse visible from the UK in almost 27 years, since the last total solar eclipse in 1999.
While a total solar eclipse will be visible in Greenland, Iceland, and Northern Spain, viewers in the UK will still witness a notable celestial event. Royal Museums Greenwich states that a solar eclipse occurs when the Earth, moon, and sun align, with the moon blocking the sun's light and casting a shadow on Earth.
Exact timings for the 12 August eclipse will vary across the UK. First contact is expected between 6:08pm in Scotland and 6:18pm in Truro, Cornwall. The eclipse will reach its maximum coverage between 7:05pm and 7:15pm, with the moon no longer covering the sun in all areas by 8:10pm. Generally, greater coverage will be visible further south-west.
Specific locations are expected to see varying levels of coverage. Cornwall could see up to 95 per cent coverage, Pembrokeshire 94 per cent, Edinburgh 91 per cent, and London around 90 per cent. In Ireland, Mizen Head may experience almost 97.5 per cent coverage.