What Time Is the Solar Eclipse 2026 in the UK, Where to Watch It and How to Get Eclipse Glasses

Solar eclipse 2026 UK viewers will see one of Britain’s deepest eclipses in decades on Wednesday, 12 August, when the Moon crosses the Sun during the early evening and obscures roughly 90% of the solar disc in London and as much as 96% from parts of the British Isles. In London, the partial solar eclipse begins at 6.17pm BST, reaches maximum at about 7.13pm and ends at 8.06pm; elsewhere in Britain the exact eclipse time shifts by several minutes. The UK will not experience totality: the path of the total eclipse 2026 passes through Greenland, Iceland, Spain and a small part of Portugal, while Britain remains in the partial-eclipse zone. That distinction is crucial for anyone planning to watch because even at maximum eclipse a bright part of the Sun remains exposed and must never be viewed directly without suitable solar protection. With the Sun already moving towards the western horizon, viewers also need an open west-facing location rather than simply somewhere high or central, as trees, buildings and hills could block the final stages of the event. The WP Times reports that for London the key viewing window runs from shortly before 6.17pm until just after 8pm, with the most dramatic phase around 7.13pm.

The other issue immediately before the UK eclipse 2026 is finding suitable eclipse glasses. Demand has surged, and the Royal Observatory Greenwich has said that its own solar eclipse glasses sold out after exceptionally heavy orders. Anyone searching where to get eclipse glasses, where can I get eclipse glasses near me, Amazon eclipse glasses or buy eclipse glasses should not substitute ordinary sunglasses or improvised dark material if certified products cannot be found. UK public-health guidance warns that looking directly at the Sun without appropriate protection can permanently damage eyesight. The safer alternatives are specialist solar viewers intended for direct observation or indirect methods such as a pinhole projector, which allow the shape of the partially eclipsed Sun to be projected onto another surface without looking at it. The Royal Observatory Greenwich is also running an online telescope broadcast between 6.10pm and 8pm, providing another option if weather, location or lack of suitable eye protection prevents direct observation.

What Time Is the Solar Eclipse 2026 in London and Across the UK

For anyone asking what time is the solar eclipse 2026 UK, the date is Wednesday, 12 August 2026, and the event happens in the evening. NASA lists the beginning of the partial phase in London at 6.17pm BST, maximum eclipse at 7.13pm and the end at 8.06pm, with approximately 91% of the Sun covered at maximum. Royal Observatory Greenwich gives essentially the same timetable and describes the event as the best solar eclipse visible from the UK and Ireland so far this century. It places London coverage at roughly 90%, with substantially deeper coverage of up to about 96% elsewhere in the British Isles.

The wording can be confusing because the solar eclipse of August 12 2026 is officially a total solar eclipse globally, but not from Britain. NASA's path of totality crosses parts of northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Spain and a small area of Portugal. London and the rest of the UK lie outside that narrow track, meaning British observers see only the Moon covering part of the Sun.

The precise local times vary by only a few minutes, so the biggest practical difference will not be whether somebody is in London, Manchester or Newcastle but whether they have a clear western horizon and clear enough skies. Royal Observatory Greenwich says the Sun and Moon will be low as they approach sunset, making an unobstructed view towards the west particularly important.

For north-west England solar eclipse visibility, the event is particularly deep. People in Manchester, Liverpool and surrounding areas should see the Sun reduced to a narrow crescent around maximum eclipse, subject to cloud conditions and local obstructions. Travelling long distances purely to gain one or two additional percentage points of coverage is therefore unlikely to be as useful as finding a safe location with a genuinely open western skyline.

What Will the Solar Eclipse Actually Look Like in Britain?

A 90% partial eclipse sounds close to totality, but visually and physically there is an important difference. Totality occurs only when the Moon completely covers the Sun for an observer standing inside the Moon’s narrow umbral shadow. Britain sits outside that path on 12 August, so a portion of the solar surface remains visible throughout the eclipse.

As maximum approaches, daylight should noticeably weaken and the Sun will become a very narrow crescent when viewed through suitable protection. Shadows can look sharper and small gaps between leaves may act like natural pinhole projectors, producing repeated crescent-shaped images on the ground. But the remaining exposed Sun is still intense enough to damage the retina. The fact that the surroundings become darker does not mean it becomes safe to look directly at the eclipse. UKHSA explicitly warns that direct solar viewing without appropriate protection can cause permanent damage to eyesight.

Where to Get Eclipse Glasses in the UK and How to Check They Are Safe

The rush for eclipse glasses 2026 has become one of the main practical issues before Wednesday. The Royal Observatory Greenwich has already sold out of its own stock, while last-minute availability elsewhere may vary considerably. That creates an obvious risk: people who cannot find recognised solar viewers may be tempted to use ordinary sunglasses or improvised filters. They should not.

When searching where can I get solar eclipse glasses, where to get eclipse glasses, Amazon eclipse glasses or where can I get eclipse glasses near me, the priority should be the safety of the product rather than simply whether it is described as an eclipse viewer or promises next-day delivery. Specialist solar filters are designed to reduce visible light as well as harmful solar radiation to levels suitable for direct solar observation. Ordinary sunglasses are designed for everyday daylight and do not provide equivalent protection.

Before using eclipse glasses, check them for damage. A viewer that is torn, scratched, punctured or otherwise compromised should not be used. Children should be supervised, particularly because it is easy to remove glasses while instinctively trying to see the Sun more clearly.

For direct observation, follow these basic rules:

• Use only purpose-made solar eclipse glasses or an appropriate handheld solar viewer from a reputable source.
• Inspect the viewer before use and discard it if the filter is scratched, punctured or damaged.
• Put the eclipse glasses on before turning towards the Sun and look away before removing them.
• Never assume ordinary sunglasses are sufficient, regardless of how dark their lenses appear.
• Never use smoked glass, exposed photographic film, CDs, sweet wrappers or other improvised materials as eye filters.
• Never look at the Sun through binoculars, a telescope or a camera unless that equipment has a correctly designed solar filter fitted in the appropriate position.
• Supervise children throughout direct solar viewing.

The warning about optical equipment is particularly important. Binoculars and telescopes concentrate sunlight, meaning an unsuitable viewing method can expose the eye to far more concentrated solar energy than naked-eye observation. Eye specialists have long warned that solar viewing can cause retinal burns and significant, sometimes permanent, loss of vision.

What Happens If You Look at a Solar Eclipse Without Protection?

The eclipse itself does not produce a special form of radiation. The danger is ordinary sunlight reaching the retina when someone deliberately stares at the Sun for longer than they normally would.

Solar retinal injury can occur because concentrated light damages cells at the back of the eye. A person may not immediately realise an injury is occurring, which is one reason direct solar observation is particularly dangerous. Symptoms can include blurred or distorted central vision, changes in colour perception or a dark or blank area in the centre of sight.

The risk remains during maximum eclipse in the UK because the Sun is not completely covered. In London roughly a tenth of the solar disc will remain exposed at maximum; elsewhere the remaining crescent may be smaller, but it is still direct sunlight. Royal Observatory Greenwich and UK health authorities therefore continue to require safe viewing methods throughout the partial phase.

How to Watch the Solar Eclipse Without Eclipse Glasses

If safe eclipse glasses are unavailable, that does not mean the eclipse has to be missed. The simplest solution is indirect projection, where sunlight passes through a small opening and produces an image of the solar disc on another surface.

A pinhole projector is particularly easy to make. Take a sheet of card and make a small clean hole in it. Stand with your back towards the Sun rather than facing it, and allow sunlight to pass through the hole onto another pale surface or second piece of card. The projected bright circle is an image of the Sun; as the Moon moves across it, that circle becomes increasingly crescent-shaped.

The same principle explains why a colander can work. Each small hole acts as a simple projector, creating numerous miniature images of the eclipsed Sun on the ground or another surface. The important rule is to look at the projection, not through the hole and not towards the Sun.

That distinction matters for searches such as homemade eclipse glasses, DIY eclipse glasses and make your own solar eclipse glasses. Making improvised eyewear is not the sensible DIY solution. Making a projector is.

For anyone unable to see the sky at all, Royal Observatory Greenwich has scheduled a free online broadcast from 6.10pm until 8pm on Wednesday 12 August, using telescope views of the partial eclipse. The observatory says the eclipse lasts around one hour and 50 minutes across the UK and Ireland, with timings varying slightly by location.

Solar Eclipse London: Where and How to Get the Best View

For solar eclipse London watchers, the ideal location does not necessarily have to be one of the capital’s highest points. What matters is an unobstructed view towards the western horizon, because the Sun will already be low during the eclipse.

London’s partial phase begins at 6.17pm, reaches its maximum at 7.13pm and finishes at 8.06pm. Arriving only at 7.13pm would therefore miss more than half of the event. A more practical plan is to be in position by around 6pm, allowing time to find a clear line of sight, inspect eclipse glasses and watch the Moon gradually move across the solar disc.

Open parks, hills and large spaces with west-facing views can be suitable, but crowds and local obstructions should also be considered. The same safety rule applies whether somebody watches from a London park, a garden, a balcony or an organised astronomy event: no direct view of the Sun without appropriate solar protection.

The deepest phase around 7.13pm is the moment most people will want to see, but the movement on either side of maximum is part of the spectacle. From first contact, the Moon gradually removes a larger section of the Sun before appearing to move away again after maximum. In total, London gets almost one hour and 50 minutes of partial eclipse.

When Was the Last Solar Eclipse in the UK and When Is the Next One

The answer depends on whether last solar eclipse UK means any eclipse visible from Britain or the last exceptionally deep event. A partial solar eclipse was visible from Britain on 29 March 2025. NASA gives London’s maximum at 11.03am, when about 31% of the Sun was obscured. By comparison, the 12 August 2026 eclipse reaches around 90–91% in London, making it a dramatically more substantial event.

The historic benchmark remains 11 August 1999, when a total solar eclipse crossed Cornwall and parts of Devon while most of Britain experienced a deep partial eclipse. Royal Observatory Greenwich describes 12 August 2026 as the best solar eclipse visible from the UK and Ireland so far this century.

There is no decades-long wait for the next solar eclipse visible from the UK. Another partial eclipse arrives on 2 August 2027. From London it is expected to begin at around 9am BST, reach maximum around 10am and finish around 11am, with roughly 45% of the Sun covered at maximum. Much longer waits apply to eclipses approaching totality. Royal Observatory Greenwich says 3 September 2081 will bring up to about 99% obscuration to parts of the British Isles. The next total solar eclipse visible from the UK is due on 23 September 2090.

Solar Eclipse 2026 UK Questions and Answers

What time is the solar eclipse 2026 in the UK?

The eclipse takes place on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, during the evening. In London, it begins at 6.17pm BST, reaches maximum at 7.13pm and ends at 8.06pm. Local times differ slightly elsewhere in Britain.

What time is the solar eclipse in London?

For solar eclipse London, first contact is at 6.17pm, maximum is at approximately 7.13pm, and the partial eclipse ends at 8.06pm. Around 90–91% of the Sun will be obscured at maximum.

Is the 12 August 2026 eclipse total in the UK?

No. The event is a partial solar eclipse in the UK. The eclipse is total only inside a narrow path crossing locations including Greenland, Iceland and Spain. Britain lies outside the path of totality.

How much of the Sun will be covered in London?

Around 90–91% of the solar disc will be obscured from London at maximum. Some parts of the British Isles can reach approximately 96%.

Where can I get solar eclipse glasses?

Specialist solar eclipse glasses may be available from astronomy suppliers, optical retailers and online sellers, but stocks can change quickly. The important point is to buy purpose-made solar viewers from a reputable source rather than relying on ordinary sunglasses or improvised filters.

Can I watch the eclipse with sunglasses?

No. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe for direct solar viewing, however dark they appear. UK health authorities warn that looking directly at the Sun without appropriate protection can permanently damage eyesight.

Can I use my phone camera to watch the eclipse?

Using a phone screen can reduce the temptation to look directly at the Sun, but pointing any camera directly at intense sunlight can also present equipment risks. For photography, use guidance appropriate to the particular camera and solar filter rather than treating the device itself as eye protection.

Can I make homemade eclipse glasses?

Improvised homemade filters should not be used as substitutes for purpose-made solar viewers. If you cannot obtain suitable eclipse glasses, make a pinhole projector instead and view the projected image of the Sun.

How do you make a pinhole projector?

Make a small hole in a piece of card, stand with your back to the Sun and allow light through the hole to fall onto a second surface. Watch that projected image as it changes shape during the eclipse. Never look through the hole at the Sun.

What happens if you look directly at a solar eclipse?

Direct solar viewing can injure the retina and may cause serious or permanent changes to vision. The danger remains during a partial eclipse because some of the Sun remains directly visible.

When was the last solar eclipse visible in the UK?

A partial eclipse was visible on 29 March 2025, when about 31% of the Sun was obscured from London. The last total eclipse visible from part of the UK occurred on 11 August 1999.

When is the next solar eclipse after August 2026?

The next solar eclipse visible from the UK is a partial eclipse on 2 August 2027. In London roughly 45% of the Sun is expected to be covered at maximum.

When is the next total solar eclipse in the UK?

Royal Observatory Greenwich says the next total solar eclipse visible from the UK will occur on 23 September 2090. Before then, the eclipse of 3 September 2081 will obscure up to about 99% of the Sun from parts of the British Isles.

What is the single most important thing to remember?

Do not look directly at the Sun without suitable solar viewing protection. In London, be ready before 6.17pm on 12 August, expect maximum eclipse at about 7.13pm, choose somewhere with a clear western horizon and use proper eclipse glasses or an indirect projection method throughout.

Materials used in preparing this article: NASA, Royal Observatory Greenwich and Royal Museums Greenwich, UK Health Security Agency, Royal College of Ophthalmologists.

Read about the life of Westminster and Pimlico district, London and the world. 24/7 news with fresh and useful updates on culture,
business, technology and city life: What is known about the August England bus pass change and who will have to wait longer to qualify