Solar eclipses over Saudi Arabia and the UK

In July 2026 the Saudi Space Agency highlighted the kingdom’s total solar eclipse on 2 August 2027, noting a six‑minute totality across western and southern Saudi cities and urging safe viewing practices. The path will sweep across Abha, Jeddah, Mecca, Taif, Al Baha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran, with the Red Sea coast seeing about five minutes 50 seconds of darkness. Scientists expect a rare chance to study the Sun’s corona, while the public is again reminded to use certified solar‑filter glasses meeting ISO 12312‑2 standards.

Around the same time, coverage turned to the United Kingdom’s 12 August 2024 eclipse, describing the near‑total coverage expected over London and other British cities. In London the eclipse will begin at 6:17 p.m., reach maximum at 7:13 p.m., and end around 8:06 p.m., lasting about 1 hour 49 minutes; similar timings apply to Manchester, Liverpool and parts of Scotland. The Royal Observatory in Greenwich will livestream the event, and the same night will feature the peak of the Perseids meteor shower. Authorities stress that ordinary sunglasses are unsafe; viewers must use ISO 12312‑2 certified glasses or indirect methods such as pinhole projectors. Astronomer Imo Bell advised facing west and avoiding obstructed views.

Tourism operators in the UK have promoted premium viewing sites, including Glenapp Castle in Ayrshire and Farlam Hall in Cumbria, offering dark‑sky locations and luxury amenities for eclipse‑watchers. The next comparable eclipse for Britain is not expected until 2090.

Spain will also experience the 12 August 2024 total eclipse, the first visible from mainland Spain since 1912. Oviedo’s Philharmonic Orchestra will stage a multimedia concert, “Armonía Eclíptica,” combining music with astronomical projections to promote outreach. Viewers are advised to select sites with an unobstructed western horizon, arrive early, and use proper eye protection.