⚠️ VERY IMPORTANT: NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN WITHOUT APPROPRIATE SOLAR EYE PROTECTION ⚠️
Looking directly at the Sun, even for a few seconds, can cause serious and permanent damage to your eyesight. This applies throughout the eclipse—even when more than 90% of the Sun is covered by the Moon. Ordinary sunglasses are NOT safe. Smoked glass, camera filters and homemade filters are NOT safe.
To look directly at the eclipse, you must use specially made, certified solar eclipse viewing glasses that meet the appropriate safety standards and are undamaged.
If you do not have suitable solar eclipse glasses, DO NOT look directly at the Sun. Use an indirect viewing method instead, such as projecting an image of the eclipse onto white paper using a simple pinhole projector. Never look through the pinhole at the Sun.
Never look at the Sun through binoculars, a telescope, a camera lens or any other optical equipment unless it has a correctly fitted, approved solar filter over the FRONT of the equipment. Looking through unfiltered optical equipment can cause instant and permanent eye damage. Solar eclipse glasses alone are not sufficient protection when looking through binoculars, telescopes or camera viewfinders.
A Spectacular Deep Partial Eclipse
On the evening of Wednesday 12 August 2026, skies across the UK will play host to one of the most impressive astronomical events seen for decades. Although the eclipse will not be total from the UK, more than 90% of the Sun will be covered by the Moon in many parts of the country, creating a spectacular deep partial eclipse. Even more unusually, it will take place as the Sun is setting.
When to Look
The eclipse begins during the early evening, reaches its maximum shortly after 7.00 pm BST and ends shortly after 8.00 pm. Exact timings will vary slightly depending on location. In Northamptonshire, the eclipse is expected to:
Begin at approximately 6.15 pm
Reach maximum eclipse at around 7.11 pm
Finish shortly after 8.00 pm
Finding the Best Viewing Spot
Because the Sun will be low in the sky throughout the eclipse, choose somewhere with:
A clear, unobstructed view towards the west or north-west
As few trees or buildings as possible blocking the horizon
Higher ground, if available
Parks, hills and open countryside may provide excellent views—if the weather cooperates.
⚠️ PLEASE VIEW THE ECLIPSE SAFELY ⚠️
A Great Opportunity for Photography
With the eclipsed Sun hanging low over the horizon, this could be an excellent opportunity to capture dramatic photographs using trees, church spires or landscapes as foregrounds. However, never look through a camera viewfinder at the Sun, and never point a camera or lens at the Sun unless suitable approved solar-filter equipment is correctly fitted. An unfiltered telephoto lens can damage both eyesight and camera equipment.
Fingers Crossed for Clear Skies!
Deep partial eclipses like this are rare from the UK, and the combination of a sunset eclipse and more than 90% coverage makes this one particularly special.
Whether you are a seasoned astronomer or simply curious about the sky, it should be a memorable event—but please enjoy it safely.