Solar Eclipse 2026: Here is when you can see rare partial solar eclipse in Blackpool
Here’s when you can see rare partial solar eclipse in Blackpool
A partial solar eclipse will be visible next week in Blackpool and across the North West as the moon passes across the face of the sun.
The rare, celestial display, on Wednesday August 12 will see between 90 and 95 per cent of the sun covered making it one of the most impressive eclipses visible from from the UK for many years.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the sun and Earth, blocking the sun's light either partially or fully when viewed from the UK.
Weather permitting, people are expected to head to the promenade to witness the eclipse which will begin shortly after 6pm and reaching its maximum just after 7pm before daylight gradually returns.
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In St Annes they are making the most of the event with a Community Solar Eclipse Picnic at Fairhaven Lake, near the Spitfire Memorial.
Organised by Blackpool and South Fylde Methodist, the gathering is free and takes place from 5pm to 8pm.
A spokesperson for the event said: “All are welcome, bring your own blanket or chair Safe solar eclipse viewing glasses will be provided.”
The National Space Centre said the main event of this year's total solar eclipse will be visible in a giant arc moving across from Northern Russia to Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and Northern Portugal.
They said although the ’arc of totality’ – the path the eclipse shadow takes - misses us here in the UK, we will still get to see over 90% of the sun covered by the moon.
The next full solar eclipse in the UK isn't expected for another 66 years, on 23 September 2090, according to the Royal Museums Greenwich.
Experts are reminding people never to look directly at the Sun without certified eclipse glasses or approved solar filters, as serious eye damage can occur even during a partial eclipse.