A Partial Solar Eclipse is Sweeping Across the UK This Morning – Here’s What You Need to Know
A partial solar eclipse UK 2025 event is unfolding this morning and for those lucky enough with clear skies, there’s still time to catch it. While it’s not a total blackout, the spectacle of the moon partially covering the sun creates a sharp bite-shaped silhouette, drawing the attention of amateur astronomers and curious commuters alike. It’s the sort of rare celestial moment that, if you’re in the right place at the right time, makes the sky feel just a little more alive.
The partial solar eclipse is visible until around 12.14pm today across the country, with the peak, or “maximum” eclipse, occurring at approximately 11.03am for those in the southeast. According to the Royal Observatory Greenwich, depending on your location, you’ll see between 28% and 47.9% of the sun obscured. If you’re in northwest Scotland, Gallan Head in particular, you’re in the prime viewing zone. In contrast, Dover is expected to see just under 30% coverage. Manchester residents are likely to witness around 36% of the sun temporarily blotted out.
Weather plays a big role in your chances, of course. According to Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill, “The further northwest you are in the UK, the more of an eclipse you are likely to have. Towards the southeast it’s a little bit less, but still 30%, and still a large chunk taken out of the sun.” That said, parts of the country are seeing cloud cover, especially across the north, which may get in the way of the view.
If you’re hoping to spot it, make sure to protect your eyes. Looking directly at the sun, even when it’s partially covered, can cause permanent damage. Regular sunglasses won’t protect you. Instead, opt for certified solar eclipse viewing glasses or try a simple at-home pinhole projector. All you need is a piece of card with a hole and a second sheet of paper to catch the projection. It’s a safe and surprisingly satisfying way to watch the event without risk.
For Londoners, visibility may vary depending on local cloud cover, but there’s still a good chance of catching part of the event before it passes. And if you’re out and about, it’s worth taking a moment, safely, to look up. These eclipses don’t come around often, and when they do, there’s something strangely grounding about watching the rhythms of our solar system in real time.
You can learn more about how eclipses work through this guide from Royal Museums Greenwich, which also offers tips on safe viewing and future UK sightings.
For more updates and stories that shape the London sky, visit EyeOnLondon.
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