The best places to view the solar eclipse in the UK

This week, the best solar eclipse visible from the UK in almost 27 years is set to occur in our skies.

On Wednesday, 12 August, the moon will move to cover the sun in a total solar eclipse for people in Greenland, Iceland and Northern Spain.

However, viewers in the UK and Ireland won’t miss out entirely. Here, around 90 per cent of the sun will be covered by the moon in a partial solar eclipse – the most coverage since the last total solar eclipse in 1999.

According to Royal Museums Greenwich: “A solar eclipse occurs when the Earth, moon and sun align. The moon passes in front of the sun and blocks its light, casting a small shadow on Earth.”

The observatory added that it's a 64-year wait until 2090 for the next total solar eclipse visible from the UK.

Here’s where to go with your glasses for the best solar eclipse sighting in the UK this summer.

Where can I see the solar eclipse in the UK and Ireland?

Although exact timings of the 12 August solar eclipse will vary and weather conditions may cloud visibility, in general you’ll be able to see more coverage the further south-west you are, said Royal Museums Greenwich.

First contact should be visible from 6.08pm in Scotland through to 6.18pm in Truro, Cornwall. From 7.05pm to 7.15pm destinations in the UK will see the eclipse reach its maximum, and by 8.10pm the moon will no longer be covering the sun in all areas.

For those who are planning to view the solar spectacle, eclipse glasses are crucial. The Royal Astronomical Society has a guide to eclipse-watching, which includes details about how to use household objects to create pinhole viewers, plus scientific information about what happens during the event.

On the high street and internet stores, eclipses glasses are largely sold out ahead of the celestial spectacle.

Cornwall

Summer crowds in Cornwall are likely to see up to a 95 per cent solar eclipse from 6.18pm, with a maximum sun coverage at 7.16pm. Watch from open-sky spots from The Lizard peninsula to Land's End.

Scottish Highlands

Scotland did see a partial eclipse with up to 98 per cent coverage on 20 March 2015, while the path of totality crossed across the Faroe Islands and Svalbard. On 12 August, Edinburgh is set to witness a 91 per cent eclipse.

Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), Wales

Wales, including Eryri Snowdonia, will see around 90 per cent coverage of the sun.

Pembrokeshire

Viewers in Pembrokeshire are set to see a 94 per cent eclipse on 12 August. Dark Sky Discovery Sites, including Poppit Sands National Park, will experience a deep partial solar eclipse.

Mizen Head, Ireland

If you’re able to make it to Mizen Head, one of Ireland’s most south-westerly points, you might see almost 97.5 per cent coverage from the solar eclipse this August.

London

For Londoners, at around 6.17pm “first contact” between the sun and moon will occur, reaching 90 per cent coverage from 7.12pm. Viewpoints from Primrose Hill to Greenwich Park are well-placed vantage points.

This piece is kept updated with the latest information

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