Solar and lunar events · UK visibility model
Eclipses in 2026
2026 contains 2 lunar and 2 solar eclipses worldwide. At least part of 2 events are above the horizon at one or more of the 18 modelled UK locations.
The UK observing shape of 2026
August is the practical focus for UK observers. The globally total solar eclipse on 12 August is modelled as a deep partial eclipse from Britain, while the partial lunar eclipse on 28 August reaches maximum before sunrise.
Chronological ledger
2026 eclipse dates and circumstances
Global maximum times are shown in Europe/London. Solar rows also report the locally modelled London maximum; a globally total eclipse can appear only partial in Britain.
Solar Annular solar eclipse
- Global maximum
- 17 February 2026 at 12:11 GMT
- UK model
- Below the horizon across the sampled UK locations.
- London maximum
- Not visible
- London obscuration
- —
Lunar Total lunar eclipse
- Global maximum
- 3 March 2026 at 11:33 GMT
- UK model
- Below the horizon across the sampled UK locations.
- Penumbral span
- 339 min
- Partial span
- 208 min
- Totality
- 59 min
Solar Total solar eclipse
- Global maximum
- 12 August 2026 at 18:45 BST
- UK model
- Visible at maximum across all sampled UK locations.
- London maximum
- 12 August 2026 at 19:13 BST
- London obscuration
- 91.3%
Modelled locations with some visibility: London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Bristol, Newcastle upon Tyne, Norwich, Plymouth, Cardiff, Swansea, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness, Belfast, Londonderry, Lerwick.
Lunar Partial lunar eclipse
- Global maximum
- 28 August 2026 at 05:12 BST
- UK model
- Visible at maximum across all sampled UK locations.
- Penumbral span
- 338 min
- Partial span
- 199 min
- Totality
- None
Modelled locations with some visibility: London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Bristol, Newcastle upon Tyne, Norwich, Plymouth, Cardiff, Swansea, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness, Belfast, Londonderry, Lerwick.
Watching safely
A lunar eclipse is safe to view directly. For every partial, annular or total solar eclipse stage, use safe solar viewers that comply with ISO 12312-2 or a safe projection method; ordinary sunglasses, smoked glass and camera filters are not suitable eye protection.