A significant solar eclipse is approaching the UK, the most remarkable since 1999. On August 12, the Moon will pass between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow that will partially obscure the Sun’s light across Europe, including the UK and Ireland.
While most of Europe will witness a striking partial solar eclipse with up to 90% coverage, a total solar eclipse will be visible in select regions such as Greenland, Iceland, Spain, northern Russia, and parts of Portugal. This event marks the first total solar eclipse experience for mainland Spain in over a century.
The UK and Ireland are set to experience their deepest solar eclipse since 1999, with a significant portion of the Sun’s surface obscured by the Moon.
Solar eclipses occur when the Moon aligns between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on the Earth’s surface. The upcoming eclipse will only be visible from specific locations due to the Moon’s relatively small shadow coverage.
On average, there are between two to five solar eclipses annually, with a total solar eclipse occurring somewhere on Earth approximately every 18 months.
For those in London, Bristol, and Cardiff, the eclipse will commence around 6:17 pm, peak at 7:12 pm, and conclude around 8:06 pm, offering a view of about 90% coverage. The best viewing spots in the UK, according to the Royal Observatory Greenwich, will be in the southwest, with Cornwall, Pembrokeshire, and the southwest tip of Ireland expected to see high coverage levels.
While many will witness the eclipse, regions such as South America, southern Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia will miss out due to nighttime or below-horizon occurrences. However, online live streams by organizations like the European Space Agency and NASA will allow global viewers to witness the event safely.
It is crucial to note that ordinary sunglasses are insufficient for viewing a solar eclipse, as they do not provide adequate protection against harmful solar radiation. The UK Health Security Agency advises using specialized eclipse viewers or indirect viewing methods to ensure eye safety during the eclipse.
Ensure that any eclipse glasses used meet the international safety standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E) and are in good condition. Alternatively, a simple pinhole projector can also be used to view the eclipse without direct eye exposure to the Sun.
