Millions of people across the UK and Europe witnessed a once-in-a-generation solar eclipse – a rare phenomenon that won't be seen again until the end of this century.
The celestial event happens when the Moon passes in front of the Sun, obscuring its light. That produces a stunning ring of fire around the lunar surface, as well as eerie events such as the day dramatically dimming and confused birds singing.
Crowds of people could be seen at viewing spots in different locations – including the Royal Observatory Greenwich, London, Stonehenge in Wiltshire, Calton Hill, Edinburgh, and outside Queen’s University in Belfast.
People used special glasses, as well as homemade viewers made from cereal boxes and colanders to marvel at the event.
It came after a warning from experts over the danger of watching the rare spectacle. Looking straight at the Sun, even during an eclipse, can cause significant damage to the eyes and even to phones, and viewers are warned to only do so using special equipment.
Have pictures of the eclipse? Send them to alexander.ross@independent.co.uk.
Key Points
- Eclipse maximum arrives in England
- In pictures: 2026 solar eclipse
- Sports fans take a break to take in the spectacle
- Long queues form for solar eclipse glasses
Watch: Crowds gather at National Space Centre to witness the ‘best eclipse in decades’
22:48 , James Reynolds
First solar eclipse photos as spectacular display plunges parts of the globe into darkness
22:27 , James Reynolds
Stunning images show the solar eclipse as millions of people around the world gathered to witness Western Europe's first total eclipse in 27 years.
Huge groups sat under clear skies in cities and towns across Spain Wednesday, equipped with folding lawn chairs, sun umbrellas and hats, eagerly waiting for the celestial spectacle.
See the collection:
Stunning solar eclipse photos as spectacular display lights up skies across the globe
Pictured: Orange skies over Paris following eclipse
22:15 , James Reynolds
Spain deploys 25,000 police to 'guarantee security' during eclipse
21:52 , James Reynolds
Spain assigned 25,000 police officers to ‘guarantee security’ during the viewings of the eclipse on Wednesday, the country’s interior minister said.
Fernando Grande-Marlaska told reporters that they had also deployed nearly 100 planes and helicopters around the event.
He called on citizens to follow the eclipse from the hundreds of observation points set up by authorities and abide by the restrictions set up around some parks.
“Let's not forget that the wildfire risk is very high, it's extreme due to high temperatures,” he said.
Pictured: Eclipse hangs over Kensington Gardens
21:39 , James Reynolds
Spectators applaud community spirit during eclipse in London
21:20 , James Reynolds
Also watching in Wembley were Prashant, a 31-year-old engineer, and Raj, a 35-year-old architect.
“It was breathtaking. We didn’t look for glasses. It was the highlight of the day when someone shared their glasses with us,” they said.
“We tried everything. We tried the selfie technique and we didn't realise it had arrived until we used the glasses.”
As told to Maira Butt
'It's probably the last chance I'll get to see something like this': Londoners turn out to watch eclipse in Wembley
21:13 , James Reynolds
Londoners turned out on Wednesday evening to watch the solar eclipse together near Wembley.
Carys, 33, told The Independent: “It’s pretty special. It's incredible to see something like this.
“The next one is in 63 years so it's probably the last chance I’ll get to see something like this.”
She said she and her fiancé just managed to find some protective glasses in time through a neighbour who had bought a pack of 100 and “was in Alan Sugar mode”.
They had been “cycling around trying to look for a spot to see it,” she said, adding: “It's a nice community moment to share it because it's been hell trying to find it.”
As told to Maira Butt
Gasps of 'wow', 'oh my god' and 'this is so cool'
20:44 , Alex Ross
Gasps of “wow,” “oh my god” and “this is so cool” were uttered by skywatchers at Greenwich Park, south-east London, as the event took place.
Veronica Orozco popped a champagne cork as she sat watching the eclipse with her neighbours in Greenwich Park, as stone’s throw from their home.
Ms Orozco, who is originally from Venezuela, said: “It is my second solar eclipse. I was in Venezuela and I was young and I thought that the Sun would not come back. My dad said ‘it is science, of course it will come back.’
“Now sitting here at the age of 41, it is still magical. I am sitting here with my neighbours and we have been telling each other ‘Happy Eclipse Day’.”
Thousands gathered on Crosby beach in Merseyside, and as the eclipse reached its peak, The Beatles’ Here Comes The Sun was played by a DJ who was stationed on top of a bus at an outdoor bar and street-food venue The Bus Yard.
Hundreds of people were at Cardiff Bay barrage with heavy traffic in the Penarth area as people tried to make it in time for the peak of the event.
Jerry and Jamie Bone, aged 30 and 25 respectively, had planned their wedding at Alpheton in Suffolk for over a year so that they could get married on the day of the eclipse.
The couple provided special glasses and filters so that guests could view the event.
Solar eclipse across Europe - in pictures
20:40 , Alex Ross
Eclipse fully leaves the UK
20:16 , Andrew Griffin
It’s 8.16pm, and the eclipse has now reached its end in Cornwall – its final stop across the UK, and also the place that got to see the most total version of it.
With that, the UK’s solar eclipse has come to an end! We’ll get another go in 2081, when 99 per cent of the Sun will be obscured by the Moon. (There are some others before then, but the most total one is 2075 – and even that is only 70 per cent.)
Spectacular images capture solar eclipse
20:04 , Andrew Griffin
Here are some of the best images of the eclipse – and eclipse watchers – as they come in from across Europe.
Solar eclipse begins to come to a close
20:00 , Andrew Griffin
The eclipse is now entirely on its way out of the UK. The Sun is back to normal (and setting) now in Edinburgh and Glasgow, and the end will now sweep across the country in the same way the start did.
When is the next total solar eclipse and where can I see it?
19:51 , Andrew Griffin
Missed it? Saw it and missing it already? Don’t despair – you’ll get another chance next year.
While there won’t be another eclipse this good in the UK until the end of the century, there’s another one coming to Europe next year. Here’s all the details you need to know.
When is the next total solar eclipse and where can I see it?
Mallorca sees total eclipse
19:41 , Andrew Griffin
Stunning images are coming in from Spain, some parts of which got to see a total solar eclipse today.
First solar eclipse photos as spectacular display plunges parts of the globe into darkness
19:38 , Andrew Griffin
Here’s a lovely collection of the first images from the eclipse, in case you missed it or want to re-live it.
First solar eclipse photos as spectacular display turns the skies dark
Total eclipse hits Spain
19:36 , Andrew Griffin
The eclipse is still going! Here’s the latest from Spain, some parts of which will get totality.
Arsenal fans take a break to take in the eclipse
19:32 , Andrew Griffin
Arsenal is playing Como tonight, with kick-off just after the eclipse hit its maximum. That’s made for some fun pictures inside and outside of the club’s Emirates stadium, in London.
Other countries still waiting for the full spectacle to arrive
19:22 , Andrew Griffin
The eclipse is now on its way out of the UK. (Though, as below, it’s not done yet!) But it’s got other places to visit first.
It is now on its way across Europe. That includes some parts of the world – such as Valencia in Spain – which will see a total eclipse, arriving in 10 minutes.
Eclipse seen at its peak in Greenwich
19:19 , Andrew Griffin
Here’s a beautiful image of the peak of the eclipse, from Greenwich in London. (As you can see, it’s not entirely covered – we in the UK don’t get a “total” eclipse this time around, and you’ll have to wait until 2090 for that.)
Sun moves back out from the Moon in the UK
19:17 , Andrew Griffin
The UK has now reached its point of maximum and the Sun is on its way back out from behind the Moon.
But don’t worry! It takes a while – you’ve still got plenty of time to enjoy the unusual sight. (And the image of the Sun with a chunk out of it is almost as good as the ring of fire you’ll see at maximum.) The eclipse doesn’t leave the UK until 8.10pm.
Eclipse hits Cornwall
19:14 , Andrew Griffin
It’s 7.16pm – maximum time – in Cornwall, which is the best place in the UK to see this eclipse, as the Sun will be about 95 per cent covered.
Eclipse watchers across the UK look to the sky
19:11 , Andrew Griffin
Start looking at the Sun! (But safely, please.) If you’re in the UK, then the eclipse is very much go right now.
Eclipse maximum arrives in England
19:10 , Andrew Griffin
Five minutes since it arrived in Scotland, the eclipse’s maximum has now hit England. Manchester and Liverpool get it at 7.10pm, London at 7.12pm, and then Cornwall – where it is closest to total – at 7.16pm.
Maximum eclipse hits the UK
19:06 , Andrew Griffin
It’s 7.05pm in the UK and parts of the country are now seeing maximum coverage. It hits Edinburgh and Glasgow first.
It will take about ten minutes to go across the rest of the UK. You can see the precise times here:
Images from London show big chunk taken out of the Sun
19:03 , Andrew Griffin
We’re still ten minutes from maximum, but these latest images from Greenwich in London show that the Sun has been dramatically covered.
Day darkens in London
19:01 , Andrew Griffin
Anecdotally, from my spot in The Independent’s office in London, the eclipse is now really getting going: the day has quite dramatically darkened.
Five minutes until maximum begins
19:00 , Andrew Griffin
Final warning: it’s now five minutes until the maximum hits the UK. It will start it Edinburgh and Glasgow at 7.05pm, hit Manchester at 7.10pm, London at 7.12pm and then its final stop in Cornwall at 7.16pm.
Each of those places will see more or less coverage. In general, it will be more the further south-west you are. In London, for example, it will be 90 per cent, while in Cornwall it will be 95 per cent.
Sun emerges out of the eclipse in Iceland
18:53 , Andrew Griffin
After its moment of totality – which lasted up to two minutes and 13 seconds – Iceland is now seeing the Sun emerge from the other side of the Moon.
15 minutes until eclipse maximum hits the UK
18:50 , Andrew Griffin
The big moment of the eclipse – when it hits its maximum, and the Sun is most covered – is just 15 minutes away in the UK.
It arrives at 7.05pm local time in Edinburgh and Glasgow. It then progresses across the country, and will arrive in its last stop (in Cornwall) at 7.16pm.
Full timings, for everywhere, are here.
What time is the solar eclipse? How and when to see today’s spectacular display
Total eclipse reaches Iceland – and is seen in stunning images
18:48 , Andrew Griffin
The eclipse is now total in Iceland. And that means we are starting to get stunning images – including this one!
How The Independent covered the last major eclipse
18:46 , Andrew Griffin
Independent reader Chris Brown has sent in a lovely email attaching an image of the paper’s coverage of the last solar eclipse of this magnitude, in 1999. Here it is.
If you have any pictures – or reminiscences – of your own, you can send them over to andrew.griffin@independent.co.uk.
Eclipse continues to move across the UK
18:41 , Andrew Griffin
The Sun is getting properly blocked out now. Here’s the latest images from Leicester, where you can see that the Moon has taken a proper chunk out of it.
Do not look directly at the eclipse!!!
18:24 , Andrew Griffin
As the eclipse arrives in the UK, it’s a good time for another reminder: do not look directly at the eclipse. It might be even more dangerous than you think, not least because you won’t immediately know that you are doing serious damage to your eyeballs.
Why looking directly at the solar eclipse is even more dangerous than you think
Eclipse seen in the UK
18:22 , Andrew Griffin
The eclipse has now properly arrived in the UK – across the whole country – though the most total part of it will not appear for a while yet. Here’s the first images from the country, taking from Greenwich in London.
Watch live as UK experiences most dramatic solar eclipse in 27 years
18:21 , Andrew Griffin
Here’s more live footage of the eclipse as it arrives in the UK.
Watch live as UK experiences most dramatic partial solar eclipse in 27 years
New images appear from Iceland
18:20 , Andrew Griffin
Iceland is ahead of the rest of the continent for the eclipse, and so is seeing it progress towards totality much more rapidly. Here’s another image – showing the Moon now taking a hefty chunk out of the Sun.
Eclipse hits London
18:17 , Andrew Griffin
It’s 6.17pm in the UK and the eclipse has begun in London. For the next hour or so, the Sun and the day will gradually get darker as the Moon moves in front of it.
In one minute it will also arrive in Cornwall – where the eclipse is at its most total and where vast numbers of eclipse chasers have gone to see the best of it.
As a reminder, here’s the full rundown on timings wherever you are. (There’s still plenty of time to get a good spot.)
What time is the solar eclipse? How and when to see today’s spectacular display
Watch eclipse live
18:16 , Andrew Griffin
If you aren’t in the right place, or don’t have the right kit, here’s a live link to watch the eclipse as it happens.
Eclipse arrives in Edinburgh and Glasgow
18:08 , Andrew Griffin
It’s 6.08pm in the UK. The eclipse has now arrived in Edinburgh and Glasgow, and is rapidly moving down and across the rest of the country.
(As below, don’t panic – there’s another hour until it reaches its maximum.)
First images of eclipse arrive
18:02 , Andrew Griffin
The eclipse is now properly visible in Iceland – and with that, we are getting our first pictures. Here’s one:
Eclipse hits the UK
18:00 , Andrew Griffin
The eclipse has arrived in the UK. At around 6pm, it hits the top of Scotland and begins to move down and across the country.
There’s still plenty of time to find a viewing spot – the maximum, when the Sun is most covered, won’t arrive for another hour or so.
This helpful graphic from the Royal Observatory Greenwich shows when it will arrive and when is the best time to see it, across the country.
You can find full details on timings – on both when the Moon will start to eat into the Sun, and when it will hit totality – here.
What time is the solar eclipse? How and when to see today’s spectacular display
Eclipse about to arrive in the UK
17:52 , Andrew Griffin
The countdown has begun: millions of people across the UK and Europe are about to get to see a once-in-a-generation solar eclipse.
The glasses have been bought (or not), the colanders assembled – and now the country simply has to wait for the right time for a sight that will not appear again for decades.
You can find details on exactly what time it will arrive where you are here.
What time is the solar eclipse? How and when to see today’s spectacular display
Eclipse arrives in Europe
17:45 , Andrew Griffin
It has hit 4.45pm in Iceland (or 5.45pm in the UK), and with it the eclipse has arrived in Europe. It will last for around three hours and 15 minutes there.
Iceland has proven particularly popular with eclipse chasers because it will be total in the country, roughly an hour after it arrives.
Totality will last up to 2 minutes and 13 seconds in the far west, though most cities will see shorter periods of darkness. Authorities have warned of heavy traffic and urged viewers to arrive early.
Singer Björk was due to perform a DJ set at an eclipse-themed event south of Reykjavik.
US space agency Nasa plans to fly a high-altitude WB-57 aircraft from Iceland to follow the moon's shadow, and NASA-funded teams will launch balloons to study how the sudden darkness and cooling affect the lower atmosphere.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Karen Williams, 51, who was visiting from Britain. "I love the outdoors, and so I wanted to come and see the eclipse and just experience it."
"Although I do hear, probably in the UK where I've come from... they're going to get a better view of it than us here tonight."
Skies over Iceland were overcast on Wednesday with the Icelandic Met office predicting clouds and rain for much of the path of the eclipse, adding that the best chances of breaks in the solid cover were expected in the northwest of the country.
When will the next eclipse come to the UK?
17:39 , Andrew Griffin
There hasn’t been an eclipse this dramatic since 1999. And we might never live to see one again.
Today’s solar eclipse will reach 90-96 per cent totality, meaning that almost all of the Sun will be covered by the Moon.
We will have to wait until 2090 for the next total solar eclipse that is visible from the UK. The only one that will come close before that is on 3 September, 2081, when 99 per cent of the Sun will be covered up.
There will be some before then, but none are as total as this one. Others will happen in 2030 (~50%), 2053 (~40%), 2066 (~60%), 2075 (~70%), 2082 (~70%) and 2088 (~40%).
Glasses shortages across the UK
17:27 , Andrew Griffin
Eclipse glasses are absolutely necessary to see the event directly – anything else could bring painful eye damage and even blindness. But they have sold out across much of the country, leaving many people scrambling for colanders and other alternative means to see it.
Here are the latest pictures from across the country as people search and queue desperately for last-minute ways to watch the event safely.
When is the next total solar eclipse and where can I see it?
17:16 , Andrew Griffin
Going to miss this solar eclipse? Or is it leaving you hungry for more?
Here’s when the next one will arrive. (Don’t worry – you won’t have to wait long!)
When is the next total solar eclipse and where can I see it?
Eclipse begins – but not where anyone can see it
17:11 , Andrew Griffin
The solar eclipse has now started! But only in Alaska, where it began about 130 miles off the coast.
It will reach its peak there in about 20 minutes. But that peak is limited: the best coverage will only be at about 28 per cent.
That’s the story across much of the US and Canada, where people in the north-east will get a little darkness but not much.
Totality will begin in about half an hour. But again that will be off the coast of northern Siberia.
The eclipse doesn’t begin in the UK for another hour or so. You can find the full timings below, or here.
What time is the solar eclipse? How and when to see today’s spectacular display
When and where is the solar eclipse happening?
17:05 , Anthony Cuthbertson
The 2026 solar eclipse has just got underway, though it’s currently only visible in Alaska. It is set to sweep down from the Arctic, across the North Atlantic before coming to an end around sunset after crossing the Iberian peninsula.
It will come into view over the UK at around 6.15pm, before peaking between 7pm and 7.20pm, depending on where you are in the country. It will then come to an end for all UK viewers by 8.10pm.
Here are some maps showing the eclipse’s overall path, and how much of it will be visible in the UK.
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Clear skies for most of UK
16:45 , Anthony Cuthbertson
The latest weather forecast from the Met Office is showing perfect viewing conditions for today’s solar eclipse across large parts of the UK.
Most of England and all of Wales will have clear skies at 7pm, which is around the peak of the eclipse. Cloud cover doesn’t look ideal for those further north, though the event will last nearly two hours and gaps do begin to appear towards the end.
Shooting stars to follow solar eclipse
16:32 , Anthony Cuthbertson
The solar eclipse isn’t the only celestial spectacle taking place today. In a cosmic coincidence, the Perseid meteor shower will also peak tonight, bringing with it as many as 50 to 100 meteors per hour.
The best chance of catching one of the shooting stars will be between midnight and dawn on Thursday morning, when the constellation Perseus in high in the northern sky. Meteors will appear to radiate from that constellation, producing streaks of light across the night sky.
Astronomers advise hopeful viewers to go outside and allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for up to half an hour, avoiding screens or other light sources.
The stunning fireball Perseid meteor shower twinning with the solar eclipse
Solar eclipse expected to cause surge in eye complaints
16:20 , Anthony Cuthbertson
A leading eye specialist has warned that today’s solar eclipse could lead to a big increase in eye complaints as people look at the Sun without the appropriate protection.
The solar eclipse in 1999 created a surge in calls to helplines and A&E departments which ran into the thousands, with BMJ figures from the time putting this at almost 2,500 enquiries following the event.
“The eclipse tricks your eyes into feeling comfortable looking at the sun, which is exactly what makes it so dangerous,” Reena Dave, clinical director and ophthalmologist at eye health clinic Newmedica, said in an emailed comment to The Independent.
“Retinal damage from UV exposure happens silently and painlessly, so people won't notice damage until several hours later.
“If you're planning to view the eclipse, ensure you’re using genuine eclipse glasses that have no scratches, or view the eclipse indirectly through a pinhole projector or colander. Do not use regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, as they do not provide adequate protection. Enjoy the eclipse, but please make sure you do so safely.”
Colander sales boom ahead of solar eclipse
16:11 , Anthony Cuthbertson
With solar eclipse glasses increasingly hard to come by across the UK, another product is seeing a surge in sales.
Kitchen colanders, which serve as tiny pinhole camera that projects an image of the Sun through the holes, have experienced a spike in popularity in the build up to the solar eclipse.
“Colander sales have surged nearly 40 per cent compared to last year, as shoppers prepare for tonight's eclipse,” a John Lewis spokesperson told The Independent.
“We’ve still got plenty of stock for anyone wanting to view this solar phenomenon safely, and, unlike eclipse glasses, you can use it to strain your spaghetti for dinner afterwards.”
Queues in Dublin for solar eclipse glasses
16:03 , Anthony Cuthbertson
The UK is not the only place to see long queues for specialist eclipse glasses. In Ireland, which is set to see even more complete coverage of the Sun, there were lines stretching hundreds of metres outside shops that still had some in stock.
Some queue goers said they have been waiting for more than an hour to get their hands on the coveted specs, which are essential for looking directly at the Sun during the solar eclipse.
“It will be worth it in the end,” said Bobby McQuillan in the queue outside the Designist shop in Dublin. “It is a once-in-a-lifetime event and the forecast is that we will have a good view of it in Dublin.”
Hundreds queue in Dublin street to buy glasses to watch rare eclipse
Parts of North America to also get a view of the eclipse
15:50 , Anthony Cuthbertson
While the path of the total solar eclipse is confined to the Arctic and Europe, the partial eclipse will be visible as far away as North America.
Parts of the US will get to witness the celestial experience, as a sliver of Moon will pass in front of the Sun. The eclipse is expected to peak at around 1.54 pm EDT, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and end at around 2.30 pm.
The US will see a partial solar eclipse today. The next one isn’t coming for a while
Peppa Pig blasts off into space ahead of solar eclipse
15:41 , Anthony Cuthbertson
To commemorate today’s solar eclipse over the UK, Peppa Pig has embarked on a mission to space.
A toy of the cartoon character soared more than 100, 000 feet to drift just above the Earth’s atmosphere, with footage shared by the Peppa Pig Space Adventure Experience in Birmingham.
What time is the solar eclipse near you?
15:32 , Anthony Cuthbertson
Today’s solar eclipse will peak over the UK between 7pm and 7.20pm, depending on where you are in the country. People in the north of Scotland will see it first, with those in the south having to wait a bit longer.
The Met Office has provided this handy map of peak times across the UK, as well as how much coverage to expect.
The whole event, from the Moon first appearing in front of the Sun to passing out of view, will last around 1 hour and 50 minutes.
Where to watch the solar eclipse in London
15:20 , Anthony Cuthbertson
Cities can be a tricky place to see solar eclipses, especially ones like today’s that occur close to sunset. High-rise buildings and skyscrapers will block the view for many hopeful skygazers, but there are a few great spots in London that offer well placed vantage points.
A clear view of the western horizon is essential, making London’s hills and open spaces prime locations. Expect Greenwich Park to be busy this evening, while Parliament Hill, Primrose Hill, Crystal Palace and Telegraph Hill all offering good views.
The eclipse will begin at 6.17pm in the UK capital, peaking at 7.13pm and finishing at 8.06pm, according to the Royal Observatory.
Two eclipses in two weeks
15:09 , Anthony Cuthbertson
Today’s eclipse comes in the middle of a so-called ‘eclipse season’ that will also bring a lunar eclipse over Europe in two weeks time.
This isn’t a particularly unusual coincidence, as month-long eclipse seasons take place roughly every six months as the Sun, Earth and Moon line up in space.
After the Moon passes in front of the Sun in today’s solar eclipse, the Earth will then pass between the Sun and the Moon on the night of 27-28 August to create a partial lunar eclipse over Europe, Africa, North America and South America.
It will create something known as a blood moon, where the lunar surface appears to turn a deep red colour.
Why Europe will witness two eclipses in two weeks with stunning blood moon soon
How to view today's solar eclipse without specialist glasses
15:01 , Anthony Cuthbertson
The best advice to safely view the solar eclipse this evening is with a pair of specialist glasses. Unfortunately, with many shops already sold out, this may not be an option for everyone.
Luckily there are other ways to view the eclipse using simple household items, such as a colander. While they do not filter sunlight, the holes act as a tiny pinhole camera that projects an image of the Sun onto another surface.
The same trick works with the gaps between leaves in a tree, or even through your fingers.
There’s even time to make a simple eclipse viewer from two pieces of card. Make a small hole in one piece, stand with your back to the Sun and let the sunlight pass through the hole onto the second piece. You will see a tiny image of the Sun, which will become a crescent as the Moon moves across it.
You can find more tips on how to view the eclipse without specialist glasses here.
Hotel prices soar before solar eclipse
14:48 , Anthony Cuthbertson
Countries under the path of totality have seen a huge surge in hotel prices as they seek to profit from eclipse chasing tourists.
Room prices in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik have surged by 98 per cent according to data shared with The Independent from the travel and hospitality data group, Lighthouse Intelligence.
In Spain, A Coruña was up by 135 per cent compared to last year, while Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela have seen price increases of 67 per cent and 34 per cent respectively.
Joanna Whitehead has the full story here:
Hotel prices in Europe soar ahead of solar eclipse
The best places in the UK to see today's solar eclipse
14:36 , Anthony Cuthbertson
The best place to see today’s eclipse is either in Iceland or Spain, though for those not fortunate enough to be under the path of totality, the UK still offers some great viewing opportunities.
The total solar eclipse sweeps down from the Arctic Circle across the North Atlantic to the Iberian Peninsula. It is only a few hundred miles off the coast of the UK, giving more than 90 per cent coverage throughout the country.
The Met Office has shared a map of the best places to witness the celestial spectacle, pinpointing Devon and Cornwall as prime locations.
You can find out more about the best times to view it here.
Swimmers and drivers issued solar eclipse warnings
14:06 , Anthony Cuthbertson
The RNLI has advised people to avoid swimming in the sea during this evening’s partial solar eclipse in the UK.
The charity said that strong tides meant that it would not be safe for swimmers, though this is not the result of the eclipse itself. Instead, the celestial phenomenon always coincides with a new moon, which is when tides are at their peak.
Motorists have also been warned about driving during the eclipse, with the reduced sunlight impacting visibility.
“While total darkness is unlikely, those with vehicles that don’t have automatic headlights or daylight running lights may need to switch on their dipped beams to ensure they are easily visible to other road users,” said RAC head of policy Simon Williams.
“The best advice to enjoy this rare event is to pull over somewhere safe and watch with specialist glasses.”
Drivers issued solar eclipse warning by RAC
The difference between a 99% partial eclipse and a total eclipse
13:29 , Anthony Cuthbertson
If you’re in mainland Europe (or Iceland), and anywhere near the path of totality, it’s worth making the trip to get under it.
Atmospheric scientist Matthey Cappucci has shared two images showing the difference between a 99.5 per cent partial eclipse and a 100 per cent total eclipse, and it’s night and day.
There is apparently a 10,000-fold dropoff in light as you enter totality, allowing you to stare directly at the fully-blocked sun with your naked eye.
“That's the only time when humans can EVER directly observe the corona, or the sun's atmosphere,” he says.
EUROPE GANG – If you're deciding whether to drive to totality for Wednesday's eclipse, I IMPLORE YOU – DO IT.
— Matthew Cappucci (@MatthewCappucci) August 11, 2026
This difference between a 99.5% partial eclipse and totality is night and day – literally!
There is a 10,000-fold dropoff in light as you enter totality. Only during… pic.twitter.com/0QjjmdoD69
How the solar eclipse could destroy your phone
13:07 , Anthony Cuthbertson
It’s not just your eyes that are at risk from the solar eclipse – your phone could also suffer from being exposed to the Sun’s intense rays.
Experts have warned that pointing a lens directly at the Sun, even when partially covered by the Moon, could cause permanent damage to a device.
Pointing a smartphone or digital camera at the Sun for a prolonged period could burn the photodiodes within the internal sensor, creating dead pixels that cannot be repaired.
The advice from Nasa’s space photography team is to “hold a pair of eclipse glasses in front of your phone’s lenses when photographing the Sun at any point other than totality.”
How to take a photo of the solar eclipse – without destroying your phone
What happens to your eyes if you look directly at the solar eclipse?
12:41 , Anthony Cuthbertson
A long queue may be a relatively small inconvenience given the potentially disastrous consequences of taking an unprotected look at the solar eclipse.
Even with the Moon covering more than 90 per cent of the Sun, it can still cause serious damage to people’s eyes. The light that remains is incredibly bright and looking straight at it could cause lasting issues, including blindness.
Any damage done may also not be immediately obvious, with the pain that results sometimes taking hours to set in.
“When you look directly at the sun, the bright light and ultraviolet radiation can damage retinal cells,” said Alex Ionides, a consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital.
“This condition is known as solar retinopathy... Symptoms can include blurred vision, distorted vision, reduced colour perception, difficulty reading, or a dark spot in the centre of vision. In some cases, the effects improve over time, but permanent vision loss can occur in some cases.”
After the last comparable UK solar eclipse, in 1999, at least 70 cases of eye damage were
Why looking directly at the solar eclipse is even more dangerous than you think
12:28 , Anthony Cuthbertson
There have been reports of lengthy queues at retailers in the UK that still have solar eclipse glasses for sale.
Many shops and major retailers have already run out of stock ahead of this evening’s event, with some people travelling as far as Southampton and Birmingham to locate the specialist glasses at convenience stores in London.
In St Ives this morning, a queue for solar eclipse glasses stretched nearly 200 metres from Techie mobile phone shop.
You can read – and watch – our very own Helen Coffey’s quest to get her hands on a pair of the coveted eyewear here:
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Secret WhatsApp groups and mystery drops: My mad quest to get solar eclipse glasses
Watch partial solar eclipse live as UK and Europe witness once-in-a-generation spectacle
11:26 , Andrew Griffin
No glasses? No equipment? In the wrong part of the world.
Don’t worry – you can watch the solar eclipse live and online. Here’s a live stream that will let you do just that.
Watch partial solar eclipse live as UK and Europe witness rare spectacle
The best place to watch the solar eclipse? Airline reveals flight routes that will give a front row seat
11:25 , Andrew Griffin
Fancy watching the sky – from the air? Here are the flights that will give you perhaps the best view of the eclipse.
The best place to watch the solar eclipse? Flight routes that give a front row seat
Millions of people prepare for total eclipse
10:55 , Andrew Griffin
The UK won’t get a total eclipse this time – though in some parts, it will be quite near to total. However, in Spain and Iceland – where the eclipse will be total – millions of people are preparing for the spectacle, including travelling thousands of miles to get there.
Here’s a report from Reuters on what they’re up to:
Millions of people across Spain and Iceland geared up to witness a total solar eclipse on Wednesday, packing their protective glasses and travelling to areas where the rare astronomical event can be observed in full.
Humans' fascination with eclipses is well-documented. Historically, the sudden darkening of the sky was often interpreted as an omen, a cosmic struggle or a sign of divine power.
Modern-day skywatchers seek to experience the same uncanny sensation when day briefly turns into twilight and some animals fall quiet as the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun.
"I hope that tonight will see the emergence of a wonderful generation of astrophysicists," said Juan Cruz, Spain's Secretary of State for Science. "It's such a special moment."
Authorities were expecting up to 6 million visitors in mostly rural areas within the eclipse's path across northern Spain and the Balearic Islands, Cruz said. In Spain, the eclipse will be quickly followed by the sunset, making the event particularly alluring. Since this year's eclipse coincides with one of the highest-risk periods for wildfires, Spain has rolled out a massive police operation and public safety campaign. The government also views it as a chance to showcase seldom-visited regions and help address concerns about overtourism on the coast by redistributing crowds away from saturated beach resorts.
The Iberian Peninsula last saw a total solar eclipse in 1912. It is set to experience another one on August 2, 2027, and an annular eclipse in January 2028, completing the so-called "Iberian Eclipse Trio."
In Iceland's capital Reykjavik, eclipse glasses have been sold out for days as the Nordic country of roughly 400,000 people expects to welcome up to 80,000 visitors.
A narrow path of totality will reach Iceland's westernmost coast at about 5:44 p.m. (1744 GMT), before the Moon's shadow races east.
Totality will last up to 2 minutes and 13 seconds in the far west, though most cities will see shorter periods of darkness. Authorities have warned of heavy traffic and urged viewers to arrive early.
Singer Björk was due to perform a DJ set at an eclipse-themed event south of Reykjavik.
U.S. space agency NASA plans to fly a high-altitude WB-57 aircraft from Iceland to follow the Moon's shadow, and NASA-funded teams will launch balloons to study how the sudden darkness and cooling affect the lower atmosphere.
"Oh man, it's so cool," said Krista Kern, a visitor from North Carolina who described her expectations of totality as a "whole-body feeling," adding though she was nervous about the Icelandic weather.
Aside from casual observers, the event also draws "eclipse chasers", enthusiasts who crisscross the globe to be in the path of totality whenever an eclipse occurs.
Gordon Telepun, a retired plastic surgeon and amateur astronomer from the U.S. who has photographed six total eclipses, said he would watch from the island of Mallorca because Spain checked all the boxes for eclipse chasers.
"It has pretty reasonable weather chances in August, a decent totality duration at over one-and-a-half minutes and is easy to travel to," he said.
Reviewing the viral glasses that everyone wants to get their hands on
10:39 , Andrew Griffin
Eclipse glasses are today’s hottest commodity. Everyone wants some; very few people can get them. So our colleagues on IndyBest have reviewed the low-tech glasses that have become accidentally and unfortunately viral.
You can find it, on Instagram, here, or watch it below.
How, when and why to see the solar eclipse
10:19 , Andrew Griffin
Here's a helpful rundown from Daniel Brown, an astronomy expert at Nottingham Trent University, on what exactly is going to happen today.
“Deep partial eclipses of this scale are uncommon from the UK, and the next comparable event will not occur for many years. Even though we won't experience totality in the UK, this is still a wonderful opportunity to experience a remarkable astronomical event. With a bit of planning and some clear skies it should be a memorable evening for anyone who takes the time to look up safely,” he said.
“For this eclipse, totality – the length of time the Moon will cover the Sun – could last up to one minute and 40 seconds. It will begin in the UK at 6.06pm in Scotland and 6.17pm in Cornwall, when the Sun is only 22 degrees above the horizon. It will end at 8pm in the North and 8.06m in the South, with the Sun just five degrees above the horizon. Maximum coverage will occur at 7.02pm in the North and 7.16pm in the South.
“Because the maximum coverage will be 89% in the East and 95% in the West, for most of the UK we will notice a marginal dimming, similar to an impending thunderstorm. One of the most striking sights will be the shape of the remaining visible Sun, which will appear as a thin crescent with its points, or ‘horns’ facing downward.
“This isn't the easiest eclipse to observe because the Sun will be close to the horizon and cloud cover could easily get in the way. However, that low position also creates some fantastic photography opportunities. Think about how you might include a landmark, building or landscape feature in your photographs. If conditions are right, you'll be able to capture a beautiful crescent Sun above the horizon.
“It is important to observe safely, never to look directly at the sun with the naked eye, never use binoculars, telescopes or cameras without the appropriate solar filters, and to use certified eclipse glasses or indirect viewing methods such as pinhole projection.”
How to safely watch the UK’s most complete solar eclipse in 27 years
10:11 , Andrew Griffin
Tonight is going to be astonishing. But not if you cook your own eyeballs.
Here are some tips for how not to do that – and to watch the solar eclipse safely.
How to safely watch the UK’s most complete solar eclipse in 27 years
The stunning fireball Perseid meteor shower twinning with the solar eclipse
10:10 , Andrew Griffin
The solar eclipse isn’t the only thing to see tonight. We’re also right in the middle of the Perseid meteor shower, which happens to be one of the best of its kind, because there are lots of very bright “shooting stars”.
Here’s everything you need to know about that meteor shower, if you want to make tonight into a double bill:
The stunning fireball Perseid meteor shower twinning with the solar eclipse
Don’t use electricity during the solar eclipse, Octopus Energy warns
09:51 , Andrew Griffin
Hopefully, when the eclipse arrives you’ll be out and watching it anyway. But if you aren’t, please don’t use your washing machine, says Britain’s biggest energy supplier.
The eclipse will lower solar-powered electricity generation just as people get off work and go home, when electricity demand often surges.
You can find the full explanation – and instructions on what to do – here:
Don’t use electricity during the solar eclipse, Octopus Energy warns
What time is the solar eclipse? How and when to see today’s spectacular display
09:49 , Andrew Griffin
Working out exactly when the solar eclipse will arrive is slightly complicated: because it moves across the Earth at different times, and because of time zones.
Thankfully, my colleagues have pulled together a series of helpful maps that make working it out easy. You can find them here:
What time is the solar eclipse? How and when to see today’s spectacular display
Hello and welcome...
09:33 , Andrew Griffin
... to The Independent’s live coverage of today’s solar eclipse.
