STARGAZERS across the UK are in for a spectacular treat this month as one of 2026's most impressive astronomical events arrives - a rare and dramatic solar eclipse.
The eclipse will be among the deepest partial eclipses visible from Britain in decades.
Although the path of totality will pass over Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, where the sun will disappear completely for more than two minutes, the UK will still enjoy an exceptional view.
Across much of Britain, around 90 per cent of the sun will be obscured by the moon, creating an eerie twilight in the early evening.
As the sun sets while still partially eclipsed, many people will also witness the striking sight of the moon appearing to take a huge bite out of the setting sun.
The eclipse will take place on Wednesday, August 12.
In Leigh, it is expected to begin at around 6:13 pm, reach its peak at approximately 7:10 pm, and end by 8:04 pm.
Anyone hoping to watch the eclipse should never look directly at the sun without certified eclipse glasses or an approved solar viewing filter, even when most of the sun is obscured.
Will you be watching next week's solar eclipse? Let us know in the comments.
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