Sunset eclipse to be livestreamed from Royal Observatory

Fahad Redha

July 31, 2026
2 min read

Sunset eclipse to be livestreamed from Royal Observatory

Astronomers at the Royal Observatory Greenwich will livestream the largest sunset eclipse since 1999. More than 90 percent of the surface of the Sun will be obscured by the Moon during the eclipse on the 12^th August 2026.

The next eclipse of this size visible from the UK will be in 2081 with the next total solar eclipse following in 2090. This makes the upcoming sunset eclipse a “once-in-a-generation experience,” according to the museum.

First contact, the beginning of the sunset eclipse will be at 18:17 BST, with the maximum being at 19:13 BST. The sunset eclipse will end at 20:06 BST ahead of sunset at 20:28 BST.

From 18:10 BST, two live streams will be broadcast from the roof of Flamsteed House at the Royal Observatory on its YouTube channel, alongside commentary from two of its astronomers, set to end shortly after the eclipse’s maximum. A “quiet feed” will be available on the Royal Museums Greenwich’s YouTube channel which will continue after the eclipse ends.

“This eclipse is by far the best the UK has seen since the total eclipse of 1999 and we won’t be getting a better one until 2081,” Dr Greg Brown, astronomer at Royal Observatory Greenwich said. “It’s not one to be missed!”

Visitors to the Royal Observatory will have an opportunity for solar observing at the Astronomers’ Garden from 16.00 BST, providing them with a different way to safely observe it alongside expert advice from the Flamsteed Astronomy Society.

Safety when observing an eclipse is vital.

“Despite how close this eclipse will get, it still won’t be safe to watch with the naked eye,” Dr Greg Brown said. “Observers must make certain to use certified eclipse glasses, a pinhole projector or use specially adapted telescopes or binoculars.”

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About Author

Fahad Redha

Fahad is the Content Editor at EyeOnLondon, overseeing the publication’s editorial output across news, culture, and lifestyle. With a background in journalism from the University of the Creative Arts, he brings a broad range of experience from local London reporting in Kensington & Chelsea, where he held roles including motoring, events, and health editor. At EyeOnLondon, Fahad plays a central role in shaping content and maintaining editorial standards. His work spans everything from daily news to feature coverage, with a particular strength in motoring and events. He also incorporates photography into his reporting, adding a visual layer to many of his stories. Fahad joined EyeOnLondon in February 2021.