2026 August 12

Partial Solar Eclipse Frequently Asked Questions!

With all the hype, there are lots of last minute questions being asked.  Here’s a quick reminder from the UK astronomy community (much more information on https://ukeclipse.com/)

When is the eclipse? 

Wednesday, 12 August 2026, from about 6 pm to 8 pm, with maximum eclipse at about 7:10 pm. See https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2026-august-12 for exact details for your location.

Will it be safe to just look at it?

No! You could permanently damage your eyes. Although over 90% of the Sun will be covered , the remaining bit is still blindingly bright.

How can I watch it safely?

Why not find a local event? https://ukeclipse.com/ 

If you haven’t got glasses (check they have the full safety marks and have no holes or scratches) you can use indirect methods such as looking at a pinhole image. There are several suggestions in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1p6bVrX-BmY

and https://ukeclipse.com/low-tech-solutions-to-observe-a-partial-eclipse/

Can’t I just use sunglasses? Or two pairs together?

No! These only dim the Sun a small amount. Don’t use any other kind of makeshift filter either. A welder’s glass No 14 is suitable. It must be totally black to look through under normal circumstances.

I often have to look into the Sun when I’m driving in the early evening. What’s the problem? 

When you do this, you are concentrating on the road and not the Sun. Your brain has a reflex action that stops you from staring at it. But during the eclipse you are staring at the Sun itself and force yourself to ignore the reflex action.

Can I look at the Sun if it’s visible through cloud?

Everyone has seen the disc of the Sun through cloud, without problems, but there is no safe level. You need to use common sense and the safest thing is not to do so.

Will it get dark during the eclipse?

It certainly won’t turn day to night during the eclipse as seen from the UK, but the sunlight will only be about 8 per cent of usual at maximum. However, that is no different to having a dense cloud going over the sun. It will get cooler than normal as the sunlight diminishes. If it happens to be totally cloudy as well it could get quite gloomy for a while. The light will seem different.

Can I look at it through my camera viewfinder or my phone?

You might be safe but you may ruin your camera sensor.  Your camera and phone need protection too!

When is the next solar eclipse visible from the UK?

There’s one on Monday 2 August 2027, with the Sun half covered, and one on Wednesday 26 January 2028, with the Sun two thirds covered. So keep your glasses! The next one as great as this year’s won’t be until 2080!