As the total solar eclipse glided over parts of Mexico, the US and Canada yesterday, a much less dramatic, partial eclipse would have been visible from parts of the UK and Ireland, had it not been so cloudy. But thanks to the less-than-decent weather, many of us were relegated to watching the marvel through photos or live streams.
And while there have been some stunning shots of the phenomenon, witnessing a total solar eclipse IRL (through ISO-approved solar eclipse glasses, obvs) is still a bucket list activity for many. So here’s a bit more info about this celestial spectacle, and when we can expect to see one on this side of the Atlantic.
When is the next solar eclipse happening in Europe?
There’ll be a partial solar eclipse visible in Europe on March 29, 2025 – but, excitingly, you won’t have long to wait until Europe experiences a total solar eclipse. Mark your calendars for August 12, 2026, and then again for August 2, 2027.
Where will the eclipse happen?
The best views of the March 29, 2025 eclipse will be from Iceland, Ireland, Norway and Portugal.
The path of totality for the August 12, 2026 eclipse will fall over Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, and parts of Spain and Portugal, and the eclipse will be partially visible from the UK. The 2027 eclipse will be visible from northern Africa, Spain, Gibraltar and the Saudi peninsula.
The UK experiences between two and five solar eclipses of various kinds each year, but it won’t be experiencing a full solar eclipse until September 23, 2090.
How often do solar eclipses occur and why?
Total solar eclipses aren’t especially rare, and they tend to come around every 18 months or so. What is rare is catching one in the same place – that only happens on average once every 400 years.
However, the UK experienced a total solar eclipse in August 1999 and the next one will take place in 2090, which is only 91 years apart. Carbondale, a city in Illinois, experienced its second total solar eclipse in seven years yesterday.
Did you see that this surprising beach has been crowned the best in Europe?
Plus: Europe’s highest pedestrian bridge just opened – here’s where to find it.
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