A rare celestial event, dubbed the ‘eclipse of the century,’ is set to grace the skies this year, but only a handful of locations worldwide will have the privilege of witnessing it in its entirety.
Eclipses have captivated civilizations for centuries, with the mesmerizing phenomenon – occurring when the Moon obscures the Sun – sparking creativity in music, art, literature, and even influencing historical events. Notably, a total solar eclipse halted a prolonged conflict between the Lydian and the Medes kingdoms in ancient Turkey, with both sides interpreting it as a divine call for peace.
The last total solar eclipse visible in the United Kingdom occurred on August 11, 1999, drawing millions of spectators who observed the sky darkening as the Moon crossed the Sun’s path. Unfortunately, Britons will have to wait until 2090 for the next total solar eclipse within the country. However, on August 12, 2026, those willing to travel will have the opportunity to witness a spectacular total solar eclipse in a limited stretch extending from Iceland, through Spain, down to the Balearic Islands.
In Reykjavík, Iceland, the eclipse will peak at 5:48 PM local time, lasting just over a minute, while in Gijón, Spain, it will arrive at 8:28 PM local time and linger for a minute and 45 seconds. In Burgos, Spain, totality will be reached around 8:28 PM, decreasing to about one minute and 25 seconds in Zaragoza at 8:29 PM. The eclipse will be visible in Mallorca at 8:31 PM, lasting approximately one and a half minutes.
Meanwhile, the UK will witness a partial lunar eclipse on August 12, resulting in a dimmed sky effect reminiscent of a very overcast day or twilight. At its peak, between 89% and 91% of the Sun will be obscured by the Moon across most of the country, creating an impressive crescent shape in the sky at 7:13 PM BST. The Isles of Scilly off Cornwall will experience 96% coverage, leading to a notably darker sky.
For eclipse enthusiasts, August 2, 2027, will present one of the longest-duration total eclipses in a century. Best viewed from North Africa, including Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia, this event will also touch the British territory of Gibraltar within the path of totality. While the UK will witness a more modest spectacle with around 42% of the Sun obscured by the Moon during this eclipse.
