The ‘Solar Eclipse’ of the century is coming – where and when to see it

There will be a remarkable total solar eclipse later this year, although you’ll have to get on a plane if you want to catch a glimpse of this cosmic spectacle in its full glory.

A spectacular eclipse of the century is coming this year – but there are only a few places on Earth where you’ll be able to see it in full.

Eclipses have dazzled humanity for millennia, with the incredible astronomical phenomenon that occurs when the Moon covers the Sun inspiring music, art, literature, and even changing the course of history.

In the sixth century the Six Years’ War between the Lydian and Medes kingdoms in modern-day Turkey was famously stopped by a total solar eclipse, with both sides interpreting the event as a sign that the gods wanted peace.

The last eclipse in Britain occurred on August 11, 1999, when millions of people watched the eclipse through special cardboard glasses as the Moon darkened the sky in the middle of the day.

Crowds watching Britain’s most recent total solar eclipse in Cardiff city center in August 1999 (Image: Mirrorpix)

An eclipse is coming to Spain and Iceland this summer

Sadly, we won’t be able to see a total eclipse again in this country until 2090 – but if you’re willing to fly a little further away, you’ll be able to see it in all its glory. 12 August 2026.

This total solar eclipse will be visible in a narrow area stretching from east of Iceland to Spain and the Balearic Islands.

In Reykjavik, Iceland, it will reach its peak at 5.48pm local time and last just over a minute – while in Gijón on the north coast of Spain, it will peak at 8.28pm local time and last for one minute and 45 seconds.

In Burgos, Spain, it will reach full reach around 8.28 pm, when viewed from Zaragoza at 8.29 pm, its duration will reduce to about one minute and 25 seconds. In Mallorca, it will be visible at 8.31pm, lasting about one and a half minutes.

The path of totality will include Iceland and Spain

Will we see an eclipse in Britain?

Meanwhile, the UK will see a partial lunar eclipse on August 12, meaning it won’t be completely dark like Iceland or Spain.

However, it will be the darkest event seen in the UK since 1999, and will create a dim sky effect similar to a very cloudy day or twilight. At its peak, 89% to 91% of the Sun will be covered by the Moon over much of the country.

An impressive crescent moon shape will be visible in the sky when the eclipse reaches its peak at 7.13pm BST.

Although it still won’t be a total solar eclipse, a much darker sky is expected over Cornwall’s Isles of Scilly, where there will be 96% coverage.

This Liverpool woman was not using the correct glasses in 1999 (Image: Mirrorpix)

What will happen next after that?

If you’re keen to go even further to see the eclipse on 2 August 2027, it will be one of the longest total eclipses in 100 years.

It will be best seen from North Africa, including Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia, although the British territory of Gibraltar will also be in the path of totality.

This will be a more common scene in Britain, with about 42% of the Sun covered by the Moon.