Near-total solar eclipse darkens 90–96% of the Sun across UK and Ireland

On 12 August 2026, a total solar eclipse traced a path from Siberia through the Arctic. Across the UK and Ireland, observers saw 90–96% of the Sun covered — the deepest eclipse since 1999's total event. London reached 90% obscuration at 7:12pm. Cornwall, among the best UK viewing sites, drew communal gatherings with improvised pinhole projectors and shared eclipse glasses.