As the UK prepares for the most mesmerizing celestial event of the year, on Wednesday 12th August 2026 the moon will be awaiting its passage to conceal the sun for a short period of time. The solar eclipse taking place will start from 6:00pm and will peak at 7:00pm. Depending on the location in which UK nationals will be overlooking the event, it may last until 8:00pm.
There will be a few prime locations within the Manchester area in which locals will be able to enter free of charge to capture the eclipse taking place. Located within the Fallowfield area, Platt Fields Park on Grangethorpe Road will be the best area to observe in absolute safety due to the vast scale of land measuring up to 170 acres, making it one of the largest public parks in Manchester.
A little more regarding the eclipse; on the 12th August 2026, the solar eclipse will be the most profound partial eclipse visible in the UK since 1999. Those that are looking to observe should plan ahead and aim for a low western horizon view as it will provide the best coverage of the event. Although the eclipse will be a partial coverage, there will still be a substantial fading of daylight paired with a sliver of crescent sun peaking through. It will be an event so breathtaking, nationals will not want to miss but savour the upcoming astronomical phenomenon.
Although it is will be a spectacular event to oversee, safety precautions must be put into place by all individuals participating.
You must:
- Wear certified ISO eclipse glasses at all times during the eclipse.
- Refrain from using ordinary sunglasses, binoculars or telescopes without authentic solar filter.
- For alternate viewings you can use pinhole projectors or the projection method which will allow for a sound observation with any direct eye exposure.
For the projection method you will need the following and will take only a matter of minutes:
- Two pieces of cardboard
- One pin
Start by injecting a small hole on one piece of cardboard which will be facing the sun. Then with the second piece of cardboard, it should be placed in front of your person to capture the projected image. A projection of the eclipse can be looked at on the screen and not by looking the sun itself. This method is proved to be safe if you haven’t the reliable resources to watch the eclipse head on.
The upcoming event is one locals will not want to miss. Whilst watching from home can be just as exciting for all, observing the captivating event as a community can feel just as special. As people will make their way to their local parks to experience the event with friends and family, it will be an event that will be spoken about for years to come. During the heatwaves taken place in 2026, this eclipse will be the perfect way to bid farewell to what has been a relaxing and an eventful summer for all that have made the most of it.
