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<\/a><\/p>\nThe solar eclipse on 12th August 2026 is mostly occurring<\/a> over the Atlantic, but we Londoners still get a 90 per cent coverage, which is pretty decent. We won\u2019t get the famous total darkness, but the sky will darken noticeably and \u2013 if you look safely \u2013 you will be able to see the moon eating up most of the sun during the eclipse.<\/p>\n According to Royal Museums Greenwich, this will be the most coverage seen from the UK and Ireland since the 1999 solar eclipse \u2013 which was total from most of Cornwall and Devon \u2013 making it a genuinely special occasion.<\/p>\n Viewing the eclipse<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Warning \u2013 during an eclipse, the Sun appears dimmer than usual. This makes it easier to look at directly \u2013 and that\u2019s precisely the problem. The reduced brightness can override the body\u2019s 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\u2019s happening until it\u2019s too late.<\/p>\n Ordinary sunglasses \u2013 no matter how dark \u2013 do not provide adequate protection for viewing a solar eclipse.<\/p>\n There are 2 safe approaches: specialist eclipse glasses, or indirect viewing methods.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> from Amazon.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re unsure whether a product is certified, simply don\u2019t use it. Also, don\u2019t use eclipse glasses if the lenses are scratched, torn or damaged.<\/p>\n It\u2019s not worth the risk to your eyesight.<\/p>\n Alternatively, you can watch the eclipse indirectly without any specialist equipment at all. Safe options include:<\/p>\n Viewing the Sun\u2019s image projected through a colander or on the ground through gaps between tree leaves Or, you can join astronomers and watch safely with them.<\/p>\n The Croydon Astronomical Society<\/p>\n If the weather permits viewing, they will have members at Kenley Airfield, the School Common in Warlingham, and the Bingham Recreation Ground in Addiscombe.<\/p>\n Details here<\/a><\/p>\n Flamsteed Astronomy Society<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Details here<\/a><\/p>\n Loughton Astronomical Society<\/p>\n They are having two viewing areas in Chingford and Theydon Bois with a supply of safe eclipse glasses available to borrow.<\/p>\n Details here<\/a><\/p>\n The Hampstead Scientific Society<\/p>\n Nothing announced yet \u2013 but I\u2019d be surprised if they don\u2019t arrange something closer to the date once they confirm the weather is OK.<\/p>\n Details here<\/a><\/p>\n South London Astronomical Society<\/p>\n 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 \u00a310 per family (up to 5 people).<\/p>\n Details here<\/a><\/p>\n SW London Stargazers<\/p>\n A local MeetUp group will gather in Tooting Bec for the partial eclipse.<\/p>\n Details here.<\/a><\/p>\n Other organisations that haven\u2019t announced anything, but might be worth checking closer to the date of the eclipse.<\/p>\n Orpington Astronomical Society<\/a><\/p>\n The West of London Astronomical Society\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Ewell Astronomical Society<\/a><\/p>\n Crayford Manor House Astronomical Society<\/a><\/p>\n Watch online<\/p>\n
\nMake 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.<\/p>\n