Solar eclipse visible over London on August 12, 2024

The United Kingdom will experience its most complete solar eclipse in over a quarter of a century on August 12, 2024, with roughly 90% of the Sun’s disc expected to be covered. In London the eclipse will begin at 6:17 p.m., reach its maximum at 7:13 p.m., and end around 8:06 p.m., lasting about 1 hour 49 minutes. Similar timings apply to other British cities – Manchester and Liverpool at 6:13 p.m., Scotland at about 6:08 p.m. – and the next comparable eclipse in Britain is not expected until 2090.

Observers are warned that even a partial eclipse can damage eyesight. Looking directly at the Sun without proper protection is unsafe; regular sunglasses are insufficient. Viewers should use certified solar‑filter glasses meeting ISO 12312‑2 standards and with an optical density of at least 5.0. The Royal Observatory in Greenwich will livestream the event, and local astronomical societies may host viewing gatherings. Alternative safe‑watch methods such as pinhole projectors are also suggested.