How and when to see the UK's most dramatic eclipse since 1999

By Grace Kennington 11th Aug 2026

Local News by Grace Kennington 11th Aug 2026

This week, UK residents will be treated to the most dramatic solar eclipse since 1999.

On Wednesday 12 August, stargazers will be able to see a near-total solar eclipse - the phenomenon when the moon aligns perfectly between the sun and the earth.

The eclipse will pass over the UK sometime between 7.02pm and 7.16pm, with the best time to see it in the Midlands at 7.11pm.

The UK will see a near-total eclipse, with around 90 percent of the sun covered by the moon.

The spectacle will be at its most dramatic on the western coast of Iceland and northern Spain, where there will be a total solar eclipse - that is to say, when the sun is blocked by the moon entirely.

During the eclipse, the light will dim significantly, the temperature will drop, and the wind may start to hush.

Birds may go quiet, and nocturnal insects and animals may spring into life, assuming it is night.

The scene will last for around two minutes, then daylight will return as if nothing happened.

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If you are looking directly at the sun, you'll need a special pair of eclipse goggles.

However, if you don't have them, you can still view the eclipse indirectly using a dark box or a card screen - find out more here.

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