Will solar eclipse be seen over West Midlands and Shropshire? UK's biggest sky event since 1999

Residents across the West Midlands and Shropshire are set to enjoy one of the most spectacular astronomical events in a generation when a deep partial solar eclipse takes place on Wednesday, August 12.

While the path of the total solar eclipse will pass over Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain, people across the UK will still experience an extraordinary sight. Across the West Midlands and Shropshire, the eclipse will be visible as a deep partial solar eclipse, with around 91 to 92 per cent of the sun covered by the moon at its peak.

It is the most exciting sky event since the famous total solar eclipse of August, 11 1999.

Across the Midlands, the eclipse is expected to begin at around 6.18pm, reaching its maximum at approximately 7.11pm, before ending shortly after 8pm. Timings may vary by a minute or two depending on your exact location.

Although the Sun will not be completely covered from our location in the Midlands, more than nine-tenths of its disc will disappear behind the Moon, causing daylight to noticeably fade and creating an eerie twilight effect.

Any open space with a clear view of the horizon should provide an excellent vantage point, provided skies remain clear.

According to Royal Museums Greenwich, a solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between the earth and the sun, temporarily blocking the sun's light and casting a shadow on earth.

The August 2026 eclipse will be the deepest partial solar eclipse visible across the West Midlands and Shropshire in decades, offering the best view many people in the region have experienced since 1999.

Although the UK will not see totality this time, the next total solar eclipse visible from the UK is not expected until 2090, making this year's event a rare opportunity for sky-watchers.

Anyone planning to watch the eclipse should use certified solar eclipse glasses or approved solar viewing filters.

Looking directly at the sun without proper eye protection can cause permanent eye damage, even during a partial eclipse.

Ordinary sunglasses are not safe for eclipse viewing.