A spectacular solar event dubbed the ‘eclipse of the century’ is approaching this year, with only select locations on Earth offering prime viewing opportunities. Eclipses have captivated civilizations for ages, with their awe-inspiring display when the Moon blocks the sun, influencing various aspects of human culture and history.

One notable occurrence was a total solar eclipse in ancient Turkey that famously halted a six-year war between the Lydian and the Medes kingdoms, as both sides interpreted it as a divine call for peace. The last total solar eclipse in the UK was in 1999, where millions witnessed the sky turning dark as the Moon obscured the sun.

Although the next total solar eclipse visible in the UK is not until 2090, enthusiasts can catch the next one in all its splendor on August 12, 2026. This upcoming eclipse will be visible in a narrow pathway from Iceland’s east, across Spain, to the Balearic Islands.

In Reykjavík, Iceland, the eclipse will peak at 5:48 pm local time for over a minute, while in Gijón, Spain, it will occur at 8:28 pm local time lasting one minute and 45 seconds. The totality in Burgos, Spain, will be around 8:28 pm, reducing to about one minute and 25 seconds in Zaragoza at 8:29 pm, and appearing at 8:31 pm in Mallorca lasting approximately a minute and a half.

Meanwhile, the UK will experience a partial lunar eclipse on August 12, creating a dimmed sky effect akin to a very overcast day or twilight, with 89% to 91% of the sun covered by the Moon at its peak. A crescent shape will be visible in the sky during the eclipse’s peak at 7:13 pm BST, with the Isles of Scilly off Cornwall witnessing 96% coverage for a darker sky effect.

For those seeking a total eclipse experience, August 2, 2027, will host one of the longest-duration eclipses in a century, best viewed from North Africa, including Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia, with Gibraltar also within the path of totality. In the UK, around 42% of the sun will be obscured by the Moon during this event.