The next total solar eclipse visible from the UK is not expected until September 23, 2090, according to astronomical forecasts. This follows the significant partial eclipse on August 12, 2026, which saw more than 90% of the Sun obscured by the Moon, drawing large crowds across the continent.
2026 Eclipse Highlights and Expert Warnings
The 2026 event, described as the most significant since 1999, occurred between 6.17pm and 8.06pm, with exact timings varying by location. Thousands queued in streets to obtain eclipse glasses, while others used homemade methods like cereal boxes and colanders. Photographers captured the event with professional equipment.
Experts warned against viewing the eclipse with the naked eye or through phone cameras due to the risk of eye damage. The Met Office highlighted eight UK locations for optimal viewing: Plymouth, Cardiff, Birmingham, London, Inverness, Edinburgh, Belfast, and Newcastle.
Future Eclipse Dates and Visibility
While the next total eclipse is decades away, a comparable event is expected on September 3, 2081, when the Sun will again be more than 90% covered. Scientists indicate Cornwall and the south coast will offer the best views. For those willing to travel, a partial eclipse on August 2, 2027, will be visible in the UK and total in southern Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East.
According to the Royal Museums Greenwich, future partial eclipses will include 50% coverage in 2030, 40% in 2053, 60% in 2066, 70% in 2075 and 2082, and 40% in 2088. A handful of minor eclipses will occur in between, but 2026 remains the most notable for some time.
