On 12 August 2026, a solar eclipse will cross Earth's path, with the Moon's umbral shadow travelling over eastern Greenland, western Iceland, Spain, and ending near the Balearic Islands at sunset.

Observers across the UK will see a deep partial eclipse, with the Moon covering approximately 90 per cent of the Sun at maximum, rising to about 95 per cent in the far southwest. The Sun will appear as a thin crescent low in the western sky. Daylight will fade and the landscape may take on a cooler, silvery appearance, though observers in Britain will not experience totality.

Location matters for UK viewers. The Sun will be close to the western horizon, so buildings, trees, and distant hills may obstruct the view. Observers should visit their chosen site beforehand at around the same time of evening to confirm a clear sightline towards the west.

Proper eye protection is essential. Direct viewing requires ISO 12312-2 certified solar eclipse glasses or a proper solar filter. Cameras, binoculars, and telescopes must each be fitted with an appropriate solar filter before pointing at the Sun. Even when 90 per cent of the Sun is covered, the remaining crescent remains dangerously bright.

Safe alternatives to direct observation include indirect projection methods. A kitchen colander held between the observer and the Sun will project multiple tiny images of the eclipsed Sun through its gaps onto the ground. Gaps between leaves produce the same effect, scattering little crescent Suns across surfaces.

Simple photography can capture the event effectively. A smartphone recording a wide view rather than a heavily zoomed-in image can record the changing light and surrounding atmosphere. For DSLR or mirrorless cameras, a wide-angle time-lapse including both the Sun and landscape, shot in RAW format once per second as the eclipse approaches maximum, provides a low-stress recording option. A tripod keeps composition steady.

For UK observers, where the eclipse remains partial, close-up photography is considerably more demanding and requires experience. A wide-angle time-lapse or unattended video offers a better balance between recording the event and experiencing it.