{"id":42060,"date":"2026-07-24T08:57:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-24T07:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.glassesdirect.co.uk\/blog\/?p=42060"},"modified":"2026-07-27T10:40:01","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T09:40:01","slug":"what-is-a-solar-eclipse-uk-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.glassesdirect.co.uk\/blog\/what-is-a-solar-eclipse-uk-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a solar eclipse? Your guide to the UK’s August 2026 eclipse\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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In a nutshell: <\/strong>On 12 August 2026, the UK will see a partial solar eclipse<\/span><\/strong><\/a>, with around 90% of the Sun covered by the Moon just before sunset. It’s the deepest eclipse we’ve had here in almost three decades. You don’t need any special kit to enjoy it, but you do need the right eye protection. Here’s everything worth knowing before it happens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is a solar eclipse? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, blocking some or all of the Sun’s light for a short time. There are four types: total, partial, annular and hybrid. Which one you see depends on how much of the Sun is covered from where you’re standing and how close the Moon is to Earth at the time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During a total eclipse, the Moon fully covers the Sun and the sky briefly goes dark. A partial eclipse is more common: only part of the Sun is hidden, so daylight dims but never disappears. That’s what the UK will experience on 12 August 2026 \u2014 and at around 90% coverage, it’ll be a dramatic one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Solar eclipse dates: when is the next one?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The UK’s next solar eclipse falls on Wednesday 12 August 2026. It’s a partial eclipse, meaning the Moon won’t fully cover the Sun here, but it comes close. Timings vary slightly by location, but from London: <\/p>\n\n\n\n