Met Office confirms exact times to see solar eclipse in UK on Wednesday

The Met Office has confirmed the exact times when households can see a partial solar eclipse across the UK on Wednesday. The eclipse will take place on the evening of August 12, when around 90 to 96% of the sun’s surface will be obscured by the moon. The event on Wednesday will be the largest solar eclipse since 1999, with the next eclipse of the size visible in the UK not due until 2081, while the next total solar eclipse won’t occur until 2090, making this a once-in-a-generation chance to witness such a spectacle.

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the sun and the Earth, causing the sun’s light to be blocked either partially or fully in certain locations. According to the Royal Observatory Greenwich (ROG), the relatively small size of the shadow that will be cast as the moon passes in front of the sun means only a handful of countries that fall within the path of the eclipse will be able to experience it.

Luckily, from the UK and Ireland, a partial eclipse will be seen on Wednesday August 12, and it will be “a particularly large portion at 90%), which makes it as close to a total eclipse as the UK has seen in almost 27 years.

Dr Greg Brown, astronomer at ROG said: “This eclipse is by far the best the UK has seen since the total eclipse of 1999 and we won’t be getting a better one until 2081. It’s not one to be missed!”

The exact timings to see the solar eclipse on Wednesday, August 12, will vary depending on where you are in the UK, with those based further south-west generally able to see more coverage.

According to the Met Office, the partial eclipse is expected to occur “between around 7pm and 7.15pm, depending on location”, and the forecaster has pinpointed the exact timings for peak solar coverage in the following major cities across the UK:

• Inverness - 7.03pm, 90.74% solar coverage

The Met Office said: "Wednesday evening brings the opportunity to witness the UK’s most significant solar eclipse since 1999. Weather conditions look most favourable across much of England and Wales, where largely clear skies should provide excellent viewing opportunities. Cloudier conditions in northwestern Scotland and western parts of Northern Ireland may obscure views at times.

"The partial eclipse is expected to occur between around 7pm and 7:15pm, depending on location. As always, never look directly at the sun and use certified eclipse glasses or indirect viewing methods."

It’s important not to look directly at the sun to view the eclipse, as it can cause damage to your eyes even when some of the sun’s intense light is blocked.

As such, those keen to see the eclipse this Wednesday can watch the Royal Observatory’s free live stream, which will be broadcast from the roof of Flamsteed House from 6.10pm

Alternatively, you can use eclipse glasses to view the event as these block out the sun’s harmful rays and allow you to look at it safely with your own eyes.

Dr Greg Brown added: “Despite how close this eclipse will get, it still won’t be safe to watch with the naked eye. Observers must make certain to use certified eclipse glasses, a pinhole projector or use specially adapted telescopes or binoculars.”