Overview
- The partial eclipse will take place on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, beginning shortly after 18:00 BST, peaking in most places between about 19:05 and 19:16 BST, and ending around 20:00–20:06 BST.
- Devon, Cornwall and the westernmost parts of Pembrokeshire are expected to get the deepest coverage at about 94%–96%, with Plymouth forecast at roughly 94.66% at 19:16 BST.
- Most of the rest of Wales, Northern Ireland, parts of the West Midlands and western Scotland will see 92%–94% obscuration while eastern areas such as Norfolk, Yorkshire and Shetland may only see about 88%–90%.
- Officials and observatories insist ordinary sunglasses are unsafe and recommend ISO‑certified eclipse viewers, solar telescopes, projection methods or organised society events; broadcasters and space agencies will livestream the event for those clouded out or lacking safe filters.
- High public interest is driving demand for southwest coastal vantage points and certified viewers and officials warn of last‑minute shortages, counterfeit or damaged filters, low western horizons and weather that could block views; the next comparable UK obscuration is not expected until 2081 and the next UK total eclipse until 2090.