Eclipse Map: The evening sky across the UK is set for an extraordinary transformation on Wednesday, August 12, when the Moon will slide across the face of the Sun and block more than 90% of its light in many parts of the country. For viewers in the western regions, the event will come close to a total eclipse, turning an ordinary summer evening into a rare astronomical spectacle. The partial solar eclipse will unfold while the Sun sits low in the western sky, making location and weather crucial for anyone hoping to see it.
The eclipse will be visible across the UK between the early evening and around 8 pm, with the exact timings varying by location. The western and southwestern parts of the country will see the greatest coverage, while areas farther north and east will see slightly less of the Sun obscured.
Eclipse Map: Where Will the Solar Eclipse Be Visible?
The August 12, 2026 solar eclipse map shows how the Moon’s shadow will move across the UK and other parts of Europe. The UK will experience a partial eclipse, with the western and southwestern regions seeing the highest coverage. Cornwall, Devon and western Pembrokeshire could see around 94% to 96% of the Sun obscured, while Cardiff and Belfast may see about 93%.
Coverage will gradually decrease toward the north and east, with Edinburgh expected to see around 90.7%, Newcastle around 90.2% and Shetland about 88%. Beyond the UK, the eclipse path will extend across parts of Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain and other regions, where some locations will experience totality.
Solar Eclipse 2026 UK: Why Western UK Will Get the Best Solar Eclipse View
The closer viewers are to the southwestern edge of the UK, the more of the Sun the Moon will cover.
Cornwall and parts of Devon are expected to see roughly 95%-96% coverage. Pembrokeshire in Wales will also get one of the country’s strongest views, with around 94% of the Sun obscured.
Other parts of Wales, Northern Ireland, western Scotland and sections of southwest England will see around 92% to 94% coverage.
In major cities, Cardiff is expected to see about 93.2% coverage, while Belfast could reach around 93.1%. Manchester is forecast to see about 91.9% coverage, while London will experience around 90% to 91%.
Further north and east, the eclipse will be slightly less dramatic. Edinburgh is expected to see around 90.7% coverage, Newcastle around 90.2%, while Shetland could see about 88%.
Solar Eclipse 2026 UK: What Time Is the Solar Eclipse in the UK?
The eclipse will begin at different times depending on where viewers are located.
In London, the Moon will begin moving across the Sun at around 6.17 pm, with maximum coverage at approximately 7.13 pm. The eclipse will end at around 8.06 pm.
In Cornwall, the eclipse will begin slightly later at about 6.18 pm and reach its maximum at around 7.16 pm, before ending at approximately 8.10 pm.
In Scotland, viewers in Edinburgh and Glasgow will see the eclipse begin at around 6.08 pm, with maximum coverage shortly after 7 pm.
The Royal Observatory Greenwich advises viewers to find a high location with an unobstructed view toward the western horizon because the Sun and Moon will remain relatively low in the sky during the event.
Solar Eclipse 2026 UK: UK Will Not See Another Eclipse This Strong Until 2081
The August 12 event stands out because of how much of the Sun will disappear from view.
The UK last experienced a total solar eclipse in 1999, when parts of Cornwall and Devon fell under the path of totality. This year’s eclipse will not be total in the UK, but the 90% to 96% coverage will make it one of the most impressive partial eclipses visible from Britain in decades.
The Royal Observatory Greenwich says the next total solar eclipse visible from the UK will not occur until 2090.
That long gap makes August 12 an important date for skywatchers who want to experience a major eclipse without travelling to the path of totality.
Solar Eclipse 2026 UK: Astronomer Explains Why People Should Not Miss It
Imo Bell, a planetarium astronomer at the observatory, previously told the Press Association: “It’s not a total eclipse, but over 90% is really exciting. We’re not going to get one this good for a really long time.
“So, it’s important not to miss it, and to be prepared. You can’t just go out and expect to have a look because it’s really dangerous for your eyes.
“So, you can use solar eclipse glasses, which are very, very different from sunglasses – they block out so much light that you can’t see anything through them except the sun, because that’s how much light they need to block for the damaging light of the sun to be safe to view.
“Ideally, a solar telescope is an amazing way to witness it, and if you don’t have one of them, then you can look into whether your local astronomy society is doing any events.
“And if all else fails, you can project the image of the eclipse using a household item like a colander which has lots of holes in it – point the colander towards the Sun with your back facing it, and in the shadow of the colander you’ll be able to see the eclipse in the holes, which is really cool.”
How to Watch the August 12 Solar Eclipse Safely
The eclipse will remain a partial eclipse throughout its visibility in the UK. That means viewers must not look directly at the Sun without appropriate protection.
Experts recommend certified solar eclipse glasses or a safe handheld solar viewer. Ordinary sunglasses cannot provide enough protection from the Sun’s intense radiation.
The Royal Observatory Greenwich recommends eclipse glasses carrying the ISO 12312-2 safety certification. It also warns viewers to check older eclipse glasses carefully because scratched, damaged, or creased lenses may no longer provide adequate protection.
People can also watch the eclipse indirectly through a projection method rather than looking directly at the Sun.
Solar Eclipse 2026 UK: Weather Could Decide Who Gets the Best View
Even if a location offers excellent eclipse coverage, clouds could prevent viewers from seeing the event.
The eclipse will happen close to sunset, so a clear western horizon will be particularly important. The Royal Observatory Greenwich notes that weather remains one of the biggest uncertainties for anyone planning to watch the event.
Recent forecasts and weather outlooks suggest that conditions may vary significantly across the UK, making it sensible for viewers to check local forecasts before choosing a viewing location.
Solar Eclipse 2026 UK: Solar Eclipse Will Be Total in Parts of Europe
While the UK will see a spectacular partial eclipse, some locations farther along the eclipse path will experience totality.
NASA says the August 12 eclipse will travel across parts of the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, Europe and Africa. In areas located directly within the path of totality, the Moon will completely cover the Sun for a short period.
Iceland and parts of northern Spain will therefore experience a much more dramatic version of the event, while the UK will remain outside the path of totality.
Solar Eclipse 2026 UK: Why August 12 Could Become a Major Skywatching Event
For people across Britain, the appeal of the August 12 eclipse comes from its rarity, timing and scale. The Moon will cover most of the Sun just as the Sun moves toward the western horizon. In the best-placed parts of the UK, around 95% or more of the Sun will disappear behind the Moon.
The combination could create an unusual evening scene, with the daylight fading noticeably as the eclipse reaches its peak.
For the best experience, viewers should choose a location with a clear western horizon, arrive before the eclipse begins and use certified eye protection.
The event may last only a couple of hours, but for many people across the UK, it could be their best opportunity to witness such a dramatic solar eclipse for decades.
