05/08/2026
August skies are about to put on a show ✨
On 12 August, the UK will experience a partial solar eclipse, the best we've seen since 1999. ☀️ 🌑 🌍
The Moon will begin crossing the Sun's disc at 6.13pm, reaching maximum coverage at 7.10pm (90% from London, up to 96% elsewhere in the UK), before the eclipse ends at 8.03pm.
Please remember: never look directly at the Sun or point cameras, binoculars or telescopes at it, even when it's partially covered. It can damage your eyes and equipment instantly❗️
Then on 13 August, the Perseids meteor shower reaches its peak ☄️
This year it coincides with a new moon, meaning darker skies and better viewing conditions than usual.
Finally, a partial lunar eclipse will be visible from the UK in the early hours of Friday 28 August. ☀️ 🌍 🌕
The eclipse begins at 3.33am, as the Moon moves further into Earth's shadow. It reaches its maximum at 5.12am, when approximately 90% of the Moon will sit within Earth's umbra. The Moon will gradually move out of the umbra until it sets around 6.15am, at which point the eclipse will no longer be visible from the UK.
Photo Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
