Total Solar Eclipse August 12, 2026: Path of Totality, UK Timings, and Perseid Meteor Shower Guide

Maximum totality reaches 2 minutes 18 seconds in the Denmark Strait just off Iceland's west coast, near the point of greatest eclipse . After Spain, the path continues over the Balearic Islands and ends at sunset over the Mediterranean Sea .

Because most of Greenland's population lives on the western side of the island, very few people there will see totality on land — the event is best witnessed from expedition cruise ships or from Iceland and Spain .

Partial Eclipse from the UK and Ireland

The UK and Ireland will see a deep partial solar eclipse in the early evening, with the Sun low in the west-northwest sky . Key approximate timings (BST / IST):

• London: First contact ~6:17 p.m., maximum ~7:13 p.m. (91% coverage), end ~8:06 p.m.
• Dublin: First contact ~6:12 p.m., maximum ~7:10 p.m. (94% coverage), end ~8:05 p.m.
• Southwest Ireland reaches up to 96.6% coverage — the deepest partial in the region since 1999

Coverage increases the further southwest you go: Cardiff will see ~93%, Belfast ~93%, and Cork in Ireland up to 96% . The Sun will be very low in the sky (only about 10–16° above the horizon at maximum), so you need a clear, unobstructed western horizon . Weather prospects are poorer in western UK and Ireland, where cloud cover is more likely; eastern and southern England may offer clearer views .

Safety Recommendations

Never look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection, even during the partial phases. Use only certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers . Regular sunglasses, smoked glass, or unfiltered cameras and telescopes are not safe .

During the brief moments of totality only (for those inside the path of totality), it is safe to look with the naked eye — but you must put eye protection back on the instant the Sun reappears . For everyone else outside the path, eclipse glasses must remain on throughout.

The Perseid Meteor Shower on the Same Night

The Perseid meteor shower peaks on the night of August 12–13, active from July 17 to August 24 . A new moon occurs on August 12, meaning skies will be completely dark with no moonlight interference — creating near-ideal viewing conditions for meteors .

Under a dark sky, observers can expect 60–100 meteors per hour at the peak, with the best viewing after midnight local time when the radiant (in the constellation Perseus, rising in the northeast) is highest . The predicted peak is at 14:53 UTC on August 13, but strong activity is expected from late on August 12 through dawn .

This convergence is exceptionally rare: the same day brings a total solar eclipse by day and a moonless Perseid peak by night . Some lucky viewers of the total eclipse might even spot a stray Perseid streaking across the darkened sky during totality .

How to Prepare

• For the eclipse: Get certified ISO 12312-2 glasses well in advance. Scout a viewing location with an unobstructed view to the west-northwest. Check local weather forecasts in the days before.
• For the meteor shower: Find a dark sky site away from city lights. No equipment is needed — just a blanket, patience, and a view of the northeastern sky. The best rates come after midnight, but even in the evening you'll see some.

This August 12 offers a celestial double-header you won't want to miss. Plan ahead, stay safe, and enjoy the show.