Hey there, budding astronomers and stargazing enthusiasts! If you're in the UK and eager to mark your calendars for some celestial spectacles, you're in for a treat. Over 2025 & 2026 several solar and/or lunar eclipses will grace our skies. Let's dive into when and where you can witness these awe-inspiring events.
Understanding Eclipses
Before we get into the dates, let's quickly recap what these events entail:
Solar Eclipse: Occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on Earth and fully or partially blocking the Sun's light.
Lunar Eclipse: Happens when the Earth positions itself between the Sun and the Moon, causing Earth's shadow to fall upon the Moon, often giving it a reddish hue.
Upcoming Eclipses Visible from the UK (2025/2026)
Here's a handy list summarising the upcoming solar and lunar eclipses visible from the UK over the next decade:
2025
Total Lunar Eclipse: March 14, 2025.
The total lunar eclipse on September 7, 2025, will be visible from North West, England. Here are the key stages of the eclipse in local time (BST):
Penumbral Eclipse begins: 16:28 BST
Partial Eclipse begins: 17:27 BST
Total Eclipse begins: 18:31 BST
Maximum Eclipse: 19:12 BST
Total Eclipse ends: 19:53 BST
Partial Eclipse ends: 20:56 BST
Penumbral Eclipse ends: 21:55 BST
During the total eclipse phase, from 18:31 to 19:53 BST, the Moon will pass completely through Earth's umbral shadow, often causing it to appear reddish, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as a "Blood Moon."
The entire sequence of the eclipse should be observable weather permitting.
(for more detailed information, you can refer to 'Time and Date's' website)
Partial Solar Eclipse: March 29, 2025. Begins at 10:07 AM GMT in London, with maximum coverage at 11:03 AM, and ends at 12:00 PM. Approximately 30-40% of the Sun will be obscured at maximum.Â
Total Lunar Eclipse: September 7, 2025.
The total lunar eclipse on September 7, 2025, will be visible from North West England. Here are the key stages of the eclipse with approximate times (BST):
(see reference below 'Time and Date')
Penumbral Eclipse begins: 16:28 BST
Partial Eclipse begins: 17:27 BST
Total Eclipse begins: 18:31 BST
Maximum Eclipse: 19:12 BST
Total Eclipse ends: 19:53 BST
Partial Eclipse ends: 20:56 BST
Penumbral Eclipse ends: 21:55 BST
During the total eclipse phase, from 18:31 to 19:53 BST, the Moon will pass completely through Earth's umbral shadow, often causing it to appear reddish, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as a "Blood Moon."
The entire sequence of the eclipse should be observable from your location, weather permitting.
(for more detailed information, you can refer to 'Time and Date's' website)
2026
Partial Solar Eclipse: August 12, 2026.
Begins at 6:17 PM BST, with maximum coverage at 7:13 PM.
Approximately 90% of the Sun will be obscured at maximum.Â
Partial Lunar Eclipse: August 28, 2026.
Please note that the exact times and visibility may vary depending on your specific location within the UK.