How to watch the August 2026 partial solar eclipse from London

There will be a significant partial solar eclipse visible from London in August, and several local astronomical societies are organising viewings with astronomers on hand to help.

The solar eclipse on 12th August 2026 is mostly occurring over the Atlantic, but we Londoners still get a 90 per cent coverage, which is pretty decent. We won’t get the famous total darkness, but the sky will darken noticeably and – if you look safely – you will be able to see the moon eating up most of the sun during the eclipse.

According to Royal Museums Greenwich, this will be the most coverage seen from the UK and Ireland since the 1999 solar eclipse – which was total from most of Cornwall and Devon – making it a genuinely special occasion.

Viewing the eclipse

The first contact, when the moon starts to cover the sun, will be visible in London at 6:17pm and will reach maximum coverage at 7:12pm. Because the partial eclipse is in the early evening, you will need a clear view of the western horizon, ideally from an elevated location.

Warning – during an eclipse, the Sun appears dimmer than usual. This makes it easier to look at directly – and that’s precisely the problem. The reduced brightness can override the body’s natural reflex to look away, allowing intense sunlight to reach and damage the retina. This damage occurs without causing any pain, so you may not realise it’s happening until it’s too late.

Ordinary sunglasses – no matter how dark – do not provide adequate protection for viewing a solar eclipse.

There are 2 safe approaches: specialist eclipse glasses, or indirect viewing methods.

If you want to use eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers, make sure they are genuine eclipse glasses with specially designed filters that meet the international safety standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E). Genuine eclipse glasses are available from reputable retailers or such as these ones from Amazon.

If you’re unsure whether a product is certified, simply don’t use it. Also, don’t use eclipse glasses if the lenses are scratched, torn or damaged.

It’s not worth the risk to your eyesight.

Alternatively, you can watch the eclipse indirectly without any specialist equipment at all. Safe options include:

• Viewing the Sun’s image projected through a colander or on the ground through gaps between tree leaves
• Make a small hole in one piece of paper and hold it above another piece of paper to see the shadow being cast on the Sun replicated in miniature.

Or, you can join astronomers and watch safely with them.

The Croydon Astronomical Society

If the weather permits viewing, they will have members at Kenley Airfield, the School Common in Warlingham, and the Bingham Recreation Ground in Addiscombe.

Details here

Flamsteed Astronomy Society

They are running a public solar viewing event at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Note, these events are held inside the Royal Observatory Greenwich, so normal entrance charges apply.

Details here

Loughton Astronomical Society

They are having two viewing areas in Chingford and Theydon Bois with a supply of safe eclipse glasses available to borrow.

Details here

The Hampstead Scientific Society

Nothing announced yet – but I’d be surprised if they don’t arrange something closer to the date once they confirm the weather is OK.

Details here

South London Astronomical Society

They will have a facility at Riddlesdown Common in Purley, with eclipse glasses to borrow, 3 specialist telescopes, and a local astronomer to talk to for £10 per family (up to 5 people).

Details here

SW London Stargazers

A local MeetUp group will gather in Tooting Bec for the partial eclipse.

Details here.

Other organisations that haven’t announced anything, but might be worth checking closer to the date of the eclipse.

Orpington Astronomical Society

The West of London Astronomical Society 

Ewell Astronomical Society

Crayford Manor House Astronomical Society

Watch online

The Royal Observatory Greenwich will host a live broadcast, hosted by Dr Greg Brown, that you can watch here.

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If I missed any London viewings, let me know in the comments below.

Happy (and safe) viewing.