Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

UK Warns Against Unsafe Viewing for 2026 Eclipse

8/12/2026

50 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

UK Agency Warns

The United Kingdom will see a partial solar eclipse on 12 August 2026, obscuring over 90% of the Sun.
The UK Health Security Agency advises only ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses because sunglasses, binoculars or telescopes are unsafe.
Because certified glasses have sold out in Wales and the UK, officials suggest pinhole viewers, colanders or tree-leaf projections.
NASA warns that pointing a phone camera at the Sun can damage the sensor.

Summary

Eclipse Boosts Tourism

The eclipse will last 1 hour 50 minutes, from 18:20 BST to 20:10 BST, peaking near 19:10 BST.
Astronomers call it the most extensive UK partial eclipse in 54 years, with the next not due until 2081.
The finance ministry expects about half a million tourists to visit northern Spain for the eclipse, boosting tourism.
UK forecasts show clear skies over England but clouds may limit viewing in north Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

History

Historical Context

Britain has witnessed several eclipses, notably the total eclipse of 11 August 1999 that produced about two minutes of totality and the partial eclipse of 12 October 1996 covering 60 % of the Sun. Because total eclipses recur at a single site only every 360–410 years, each event prompts safety campaigns such as those supported by NASA and reinforces the United Kingdom’s long-standing eclipse preparedness.

1 of 3

UK Agency Warns

The United Kingdom will see a partial solar eclipse on 12 August 2026, obscuring over 90% of the Sun.
The UK Health Security Agency advises only ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses because sunglasses, binoculars or telescopes are unsafe.
Because certified glasses have sold out in Wales and the UK, officials suggest pinhole viewers, colanders or tree-leaf projections.
NASA warns that pointing a phone camera at the Sun can damage the sensor.

1 / 3