By WILIAM HUNTER, SENIOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY REPORTER<\/p>\n
Published: 08:34 BST, 8 August 2026 | Updated: 08:36 BST, 8 August 2026<\/p>\n
On Wednesday, August 12, the UK will be treated to the most spectacular solar eclipse in a generation \u2013 and you will not want to miss it.<\/p>\n
Although Britain won't witness totality, up to 96 per cent of the sun will be obscured as the moon drifts in front of its celestial neighbour.<\/p>\n
The next time an eclipse this deep will be visible from the UK won't be until 2050.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, any keen astronomers wanting to see a total eclipse from Britain will need to wait until September 23, 2090.<\/p>\n
This stunning display will begin shortly after 18:00 BST, but the exact timing will vary based on your location.<\/p>\n
Maximum coverage will occur roughly an hour later, plunging the UK into premature twilight, before the eclipse comes to an end just after 20:00 BST.<\/p>\n
However, since you can't look at the sun directly without risking severe eye damage, you'll need to come prepared to get the best view.<\/p>\n
Here is everything you need to know to make the most of this rare opportunity.<\/p>\n
On Wednesday, August 12, the UK will be treated to the most spectacular solar eclipse in a generation<\/p>\n
First contact \u2013 the moment the moon's shadow will first appear on the sun \u2013 will kick off at 18:06 in Glasgow and Edinburgh, 18:13 in Manchester and Liverpool, 18:15 in Birmingham, 18:17 in London, Bristol and Cardiff, and finally at 18:18 in Cornwall.<\/p>\n
Viewers, taking the appropriate safety precautions, will see a small 'bite' disappear from the sun's right\u2013hand corner before slowly spreading to cover most of the disc.<\/p>\n
At the point of greatest coverage, observers will see only a tiny inverted crescent of fire hanging in the sky.<\/p>\n
That will happen just under an hour later, at 19:05 in Glasgow and Edinburgh, 19:10 in Manchester and Liverpool, 19:11 in Birmingham, 19:12 in London, Bristol and Cardiff, and at 19:16 in Cornwall.<\/p>\n