THE UK is set to see its fullest solar eclipse for the next 54 years.
Stargazers are eager to see the rare phenomenon, but members of the public have been warned to take precautions to view the spectacle safely.
Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming solar eclipse.
When is the solar eclipse?
The solar eclipse will take place on Wednesday, August 12.
What time is the solar eclipse 2026?
The solar eclipse will take place in the UK between 6.17pm and 8.06pm on Wednesday, August 12.
The maximum point of coverage is expected to be at around 7.13pm.
More than 90% of the Sun will be obscured by the moon, the most it has been blocked above UK skies since the total eclipse in 1999.
Will I see the eclipse in Scotland?
Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan has said that Scotland, Northern Ireland and western parts of England have a "slightly lower" chance of seeing the eclipse.
People in eastern areas of Scotland stand the best chance of seeing Wednesday’s partial solar eclipse, forecasters have said.
A weather front pushing into the north-west means the rare event is likely to be hidden behind clouds across much of Scotland – but forecasters have said it may be visible in some areas.
The Met Office said eastern areas like Aberdeenshire, Angus and Moray are most likely to have clear skies when the rare event takes place.
The forecaster said there may also be breaks in cloud cover in the central belt and southern Scotland.
Those most keen to catch a sight of the fullest possible solar eclipse should avoid the easternmost parts of the UK, where only 88% to 90% of solar coverage is expected.
These include the Aberdeenshire coast, as well as the Orkney and Shetland Islands.
To get the best view of the eclipse, it is advised to find a vantage point facing west, with minimal buildings around.
The UK will experience a partial solar eclipse on Wednesday 12 August. The extent of the Sun's coverage and the timing of maximum obscuration will differ across the country. Never look directly at the sun; use a pinhole projector or certified eclipse glasses to view it. pic.twitter.com/lRfh8fq5uq
— Met Office (@metoffice) August 8, 2026
What is a total eclipse?
In a total eclipse, the Sun is fully obscured by the moon.
In a partial eclipse, only part of the Sun is obscured.
When will the next total solar eclipse be?
The next time the Moon obscures as much of the Sun will be in 2081, and the next total solar eclipse in the UK will be in 2090.
Why can't you look at a solar eclipse?
Looking at a solar eclipse directly can cause permanent eye damage.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Sun's "reduced brightness can override the body's natural reflex to look away, allowing intense sunlight to reach and damage the retina".
How to look at an eclipse safely
It is advised to look at an eclipse using special eclipse glasses, which are certified with ISO 12312-2 or ISO 12312-2:2015.
The eclipse can also be viewed safely through a pinhole finder, by projecting the Sun's image onto paper using a pinhole projector, by holding up a colander and looking at its shadow, or by looking at the shadows cast by leaves on the ground.
Where can I get eclipse glasses?
Many independent opticians and selected branches of major chains such as Boots and Specsavers stock certified eclipse glasses.
They can also often be found in museums and observatories, particularly in gift shops.
You can also find eclipse glasses online, but ensure they meet the specific certification.
