Here's how to safely prepare to watch the biggest partial solar eclipse visible from the UK in decade
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This Wednesday (August 12, 2026) the deepest solar eclipse in almost three decades will take place, here’s what you can do to view it safely
You’ll have seen from our previous coverage that the next solar eclipse is set to take place this coming Wednesday – Read all about it here
The partial solar eclipse is set to occur on Wednesday (August 12) when the Moon will cover up to around 90 per cent of the Sun in parts of the UK.
While it is expected that the best views of the solar eclipse will be from London, the South West and parts of western Britain, it is possible that people in South Yorkshire will be able to see it too.
But it’s important to note that looking directly at the sun, with or without sunglasses is not safe.
Safety advice from NASA states that eclipse viewers should always comply with the ISO 12312-2 standard and should be carefully inspected for scratches, punctures or damaged filters before every use.
Here are some ways you can safely prepare to view the solar eclipse:
If you plan on trying to watch the solar eclipse, then these ISO 12312-2 & CE certified solar eclipse glasses will be able to block harmful UV, IR & intense sunlight. Making these safe for direct viewing of the sun and the August 2026 solar eclipse.
You can buy these today, with next day-delivery for Prime subscribers for just £9.85
Plus it even comes in a snazzy Union Jack design, although other colours are available for a few pounds more.
For those of you who wish to take an even closer look at the eclipse as it unfolds, why not use a telescope? However, it is important that you choose the right kind of telescope when looking directly at the sun.
The Misilmp 70mm Portable Refractor Telescope is a decently-priced entry-point when it comes to star gazing and preparing for a solar eclipse. It is currently £49.99 on Amazon.
If you are planning on using a telescope then you need to make sure that it has correctly fitted solar filters. These special-purpose filters should conform to the ISO 12312-2 international standard, and you shouldn’t be able to see any light through them – if you can then it won’t be safe.
Over on our sister-site, the Yorkshire Post there are some handy safety insights and instructions on where you can get the best opportunity to view the solar event from Astronomer Dr Mark Gallaway.