EXCITEMENT is building across Europe as a handful of countries are expecting to see a total eclipse of the Sun on Wednesday, August 12.
In the UK, the event will be the biggest of its kind in almost 30 years.
A handful of countries in Europe will see a total eclipse of the Sun on Wednesday, August 12 Credit: Getty
The eclipse will be the biggest of its kind in the UK in almost 30 years Credit: EPA
But which other countries will be able to catch a glimpse of the celestial show?
When is the solar eclipse?
Europe will experience its first total since 1999 on Wednesday, August 12.
Between two and five solar eclipses occur somewhere on every year, with the last of any kind anywhere on Earth being .
But August 12’s spectacle will mark the first total solar eclipse to take place anywhere on Earth since April 8, 2024.
That took place in North America, with as the path of totality swept from Mexico through 15 US states and into eastern Canada.
Which countries will see the solar eclipse?
Parts of the UK will see over 96% of the Sun covered as the Moon crosses the Sun’s “disc”, with the eclipse taking approximately two hours.
The total solar eclipse will be the first to take place in Europe since 1999 Credit: Alamy
The last total solar eclipse to take place on Earth was in North America, two years ago Credit: Getty
The time of greatest eclipse is set to take place between 7.05pm and 7.13pm in the UK, depending on where you are watching from.
The path of totality, where the Moon completely blocks the Sun, will sweep across Greenland, Iceland, the extreme northeastern part of Portugal, and Spain.
Other locations in store for a total eclipse include the Arctic and the Atlantic Ocean.
A total solar eclipse will be visible along a narrow path passing through:
- Spain (Northern and central regions, including the Balearic Islands)
- Iceland (Western and southern regions, including Reykjavik)
- Greenland (Eastern and southern coastlines)
- Portugal (Extreme northeastern border area near Rio de Onor)
- Russia (Far northern Taymyr Peninsula and Arctic island territories)
Along with the UK, most of continental Europe will be expecting to catch sight of a partial eclipse – .
A partial solar eclipse will be visible across a large area of Europe:
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Portugal (rest of the mainland, Azores, and Madeira)
- Netherlands
- Belgium
- Luxembourg
- Switzerland
- Austria
- Norway
- Sweden
- Finland
- Denmark
- Poland
- Czech Republic
- Slovakia
- Hungary
- Slovenia
- Croatia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Serbia
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Albania
- Greece (far northwestern areas only)
- Bulgaria
- Romania
- Estonia
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Belarus
- Ukraine
- Moldova
- Malta
- European Microstates: Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City, Liechtenstein
The path of totality will sweep across Greenland, Iceland, the extreme northeastern part of Portugal, and Spain Credit: Getty
Most of continental Europe, North America and northwestern African countries will also get to see a partial eclipse Credit: AFP
Across North America, eastern and far-northern Canada will see the deepest coverage – ranging from 40% up to 80% – while southern and western parts of the country will see much smaller partial views.
In the northern and eastern United States, from Alaska through to New England and the mid-Atlantic, observers will catch a minor partial eclipse, with the Moon blocking up to 10% to 20% of the Sun.
Meanwhile, northwestern African countries – including Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Mali, and Algeria – will also witness a partial, sunset eclipse.
Across Asia and Eurasia, parts of Turkey, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and northern Russia will catch a partial glimpse of the eclipse.
How do I safely view the eclipse?
Although the eclipse provides an incredible spectacle, watching it with the naked eye can be very dangerous.
Be sure without using or .
For a safe alternative to eclipse glasses, stand with your back to the Sun and to or a piece of card.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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