A rare solar eclipse is set to grace the skies above Britain and parts of Europe next month. On Wednesday, August 12, a celestial event will unfold, with up to 90% of the sun vanishing from view for millions of observers across the UK. This occurrence marks the first total solar eclipse visible from Europe since 1999, as the moon moves directly between the Earth and the sun, casting areas of Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain, and a small section of Portugal into temporary darkness.
While the UK will not witness a total eclipse, most regions will witness a significant blockage of sunlight. The eclipse, occurring when the moon obstructs the sun’s light, will be a partial event for viewers in the UK and Ireland. The moon will appear to take a substantial bite out of the sun, starting with “first contact” as it begins its journey across the sun, reaching maximum coverage before gradually receding.
Unlike other countries experiencing complete darkness, the UK will witness a noticeable decrease in brightness and temperature as a considerable portion of sunlight is blocked during the eclipse. Depending on the clarity of the skies, daylight might briefly resemble dawn or dusk, especially in the southwest where a greater portion of the sun will be obscured.
Various regions in the UK will witness different levels of coverage, with London expecting around 90% coverage, Cornwall around 95%, and the southwestern tip of Ireland nearly 97.7%. Other parts of Europe, Canada, and northwestern Africa will also witness a partial eclipse.
The eclipse will commence in the UK in the early evening of August 12, progressing from the moon covering the sun to maximum coverage and then receding. Timing will vary based on the viewing location. For those seeking total darkness, traveling overseas will be necessary as the path of totality will stretch from Greenland through Iceland and end in northern Spain and the Balearic Islands, with a small portion of northern Russia experiencing a total eclipse.
It is crucial to use certified eclipse glasses for safe viewing, as looking directly at the sun without protection can cause severe eye damage. The American Astronomical Society recommends testing glasses indoors and outdoors to ensure proper protection. Additionally, photographers capturing the eclipse should use certified solar filters on their equipment.
Britons missing this upcoming eclipse will have to wait until 2090 for the next total solar eclipse visible from the UK. Spain, however, will have another chance sooner with a total eclipse scheduled for August 2, 2027, followed by further total eclipses in various regions over the next two decades.