Solar Eclipse in Belfast 2026: On August 12, 2026, skywatchers in Belfast will be able to see a deep partial solar eclipse. Approximately 93% of the Sun will be hidden during the peak phase of this partial eclipse, so this will be one of the major partial eclipses visible from Northern Ireland. The eclipse will take place in the evening hours, so it will be preferable to find a place with a good open view of the sky.
Belfast Solar Eclipse 2026: Date
The solar eclipse in Belfast will take place on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. It will be visible as a deep partial solar eclipse, with approximately 93% of the Sun covered by the Moon at maximum. The partial eclipse will begin at around 6:10 pm BST, reach its maximum at approximately 7:08 pm BST, and end around 8:03 pm BST. The eclipse will last for roughly 1 hour and 53 minutes, giving observers plenty of time to find a suitable viewing location and watch the Moon gradually move across the solar disc.
Belfast Solar Eclipse 2026: Best Time to Watch
The best time to watch the Belfast solar eclipse will be around 7:08 pm BST, when approximately 93.1% of the Sun will be obscured. The partial eclipse begins at around 6:10 pm BST, when the Moon first starts moving across the Sun, and ends at approximately 8:03 pm BST. Observers should ideally arrive at their chosen viewing location before 6:10 pm. This will give them enough time to set up safely, identify a clear horizon and observe the progression of the eclipse from its beginning through maximum coverage.
Timeline of the Belfast Eclipse
Start Time: 6:10 pm BST – The Moon begins moving across the Sun.
Maximum Peak: 7:08 pm BST – Approximately 93.1% of the Sun is covered.
End Time: 8:03 pm BST – The partial eclipse comes to an end.
Belfast Solar Eclipse 2026: Best Places to Watch Eclipse
Cave Hill: Cave Hill provides a high and dramatic panoramic view over Belfast and Belfast Lough. Its elevated position can offer broad views of the evening sky, although visitors should select a safe location with an unobstructed horizon.
Divis and the Black Mountain:Â The elevated landscape around Divis and the Black Mountain provides expansive views across Belfast and County Antrim. The higher elevation can be useful for finding a wide horizon, but visitors should check accessibility and weather conditions before travelling.
Stormont Estate:Â Stormont Estate offers large areas of open parkland and relatively broad views of the sky. Visitors can look for an open position away from trees and structures that could obstruct the Sun.
Belfast Lough Shore at Holywood: The shoreline at Holywood provides a relatively flat coastal setting with open views across the water. This can be particularly useful for observers looking for a clear horizon.
North Antrim Coast:Â Locations along the North Antrim Coast, including areas around the Giant’s Causeway, can offer dramatic open coastal views. This could also be an alternative for viewers willing to travel outside Belfast if local weather conditions are unfavourable.
Belfast Solar Eclipse 2026: Weather Forecast
Weather conditions on August 12, 2026 will be an important factor for anyone hoping to see the eclipse from Belfast. Northern Ireland’s weather can change quickly, so observers should check the latest local forecast shortly before the event. Cloud cover will be particularly important because even a deep partial eclipse can be completely hidden if clouds move across the Sun. Viewers should check conditions around Belfast and, where possible, choose a location offering an open view of the sky. Coastal and elevated locations may provide useful alternatives, but they can also be more exposed to changing winds and weather.
Solar Eclipse 2026: City-Wise Coverage
Belfast: Approximately 93% of the Sun will be covered at maximum.
Derry/Londonderry: A deep partial solar eclipse will be visible, with the exact coverage varying according to location.
Lisburn: A significant partial eclipse will be visible during the evening.
Newtownabbey: Residents will be able to see a deep partial eclipse, subject to local weather conditions.
Bangor: The coastal location can provide open views of the evening sky, with the exact eclipse coverage depending on the observer’s position.
Newry: A partial solar eclipse will be visible, although the degree of obscuration will differ slightly from Belfast.
Belfast Solar Eclipse 2026: Can You Watch the Eclipse Live Online?
Yes. Online livestreams will provide an alternative for people who cannot see the eclipse because of clouds, haze or an obstructed horizon.
EduINAF/INAF Livestream
The Italian National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF), together with the Italian amateur astronomy and planetarium organisations UAI and PLANit, is organising live coverage of the August 12 eclipse. The broadcast is scheduled to begin at 7:30 pm on August 12, featuring telescope observations from Italy and locations inside the path of totality. (EduINAF)
EduINAF Eclipse Information and Livestream
NASA Eclipse Coverage
NASA is also providing information and coverage for the August 12 total solar eclipse. The agency’s eclipse guide provides details about the path of totality and locations that will experience partial phases. (NASA)
NASA August 12, 2026 Eclipse Guide
Timeanddate Eclipse Coverage
Timeanddate provides detailed location-specific eclipse information for Venice, including the start, maximum and end times, as well as an eclipse animation and additional viewing information. (Timeanddate)
Timeanddate Venice Eclipse Information
Belfast Solar Eclipse 2026: How to Watch Safely
Tip 1: Use special solar eclipse glasses or a certified solar viewer since regular sunglasses are not good enough for safe viewing.
Tip 2: Don’t ever use binoculars, telescopes or cameras to view the sun unless there are fitted solar filters on them.
Tip 3: Ensure that the solar filter is placed in front of the telescope or binoculars, or camera before the sunlight hits the apparatus.
Tip 4: Never use homemade filters or improvisations to look at the Sun.
Tip 5: Parents and guardians must supervise that kids are using approved solar-viewing devices correctly.
Disclaimer: Eclipse timings, weather conditions and visibility may vary by location and can change. Readers are advised to check the latest information from reliable astronomical and weather sources before viewing. Always use certified solar-viewing equipment and follow proper safety guidelines when observing the eclipse.
