Solar Eclipse 2026 best place to see once in a generation event confirmed - 90% darkness
The solar eclipse will see much of the UK plunge into darkness.
One popular British holiday hotspot has emerged as the best place to see this week's solar eclipse in the clearest event of its kind since 1999. The Moon will move between the Sun and Earth, blocking its light and casting a small shadow on Earth for just under two hours in the evening on Wednesday August 12.
Majorca is on track to see a total solar eclipse as the event is due to happen around the same time as sunset, as well as more reliably clear weather conditions. Spain is preparing for its first total solar eclipse in more than a century, with the phenomenon set to be visible across large parts of the country for the first time since 1905. Forecast maps suggest those in Majorca should be able to witness around 90% of the Sun covered by the moon.
According to NationalEclipse, the path of totality will pass just south of Palma, placing the Majorcan capital in a great position to catch the rare celestial event.
In Palma, the sunset solar eclipse is expected to last approximately one minute and 36 seconds, beginning at approximately 8.31pm CEST (7.31pm BST).
The eclipse will sweep across the Iberian Peninsula from west to east as the Sun sets, passing over cities including A Coruña, Oviedo, León, Bilbao, Zaragoza and Valencia before continuing across the Mediterranean.
While parts of Europe will get to see the eclipse in its entirety, the UK will get just a glimpse - but still comes as the most the sun has ever been covered above our skies since the total eclipse witnessed in 1999.
Exeter will boast the UK’s highest percentage of solar coverage with the moon forecast to cover 94% of the sun. Exeter will also wait the longest for the eclipse with it due to take place at 7.15pm.
London and Cardiff will both witness the eclipse at 7.13pm, but Cardiff will enjoy a greater spectacle, with 93.2% of the Sun obscured compared with 91.4% in London.
The latest forecasts suggest that southern and eastern parts of England, particularly the South West, look more promising with little to no cloud cover.
It's important you never look directly at the sun, even during an eclipse when some of its intense light is blocked. Doing so can severely damage your eyes.
The safest way to view the event is by using certified eclipse glasses that meet the international safety standard (ISO 12312-2) or by using specially designed solar filters on telescopes, binoculars, or camera.
