Overview
- A total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026 will have a narrow path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain while the UK will experience a very deep partial eclipse.
- Local first contact, maximum and end times will vary by place in the UK but most outlets give a window beginning roughly 6:08–6:18pm with a peak around 7:05–7:16pm and finishing about 8:06–8:10pm BST.
- Officials and scientific bodies warn never to look at the Sun during the partial phases without certified ISO 12312-2 solar filters because ordinary sunglasses and damaged or uncertified viewers do not block harmful radiation.
- The Royal Observatory Greenwich will livestream the eclipse from 6:10–8:00pm BST with expert commentary, which authorities recommend as a safe alternative if viewers lack proper filters or clouds obscure the sky.
- The eclipse will coincide with the Perseid meteor shower peak hours later on 12–13 August, weather will determine how much is seen, and this is the deepest partial eclipse visible from the UK and Ireland since 1999 with the next UK total not expected until 2090.