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The solar eclipse taking place this evening (August 12) will be one of the biggest astronomical events of the decade, particularly across Europe.
While it will be fully visible in some parts of the continent, such as Iceland and Spain, the UK will experience a partial eclipse, so getting the right spot is very important.
It will be the largest solar eclipse visible until September 2090.
The event will begin at approximately 18:10 BST, although timings will vary depending on location.
If the skies stay clear of clouds, the best views of this partial eclipse will be in the west. You will not see a full eclipse in the UK as the path of totality passes at sea off the south-west coast.
But the entire UK will be covered by the partial shadow of the Moon, with people in Cornwall and Pembrokeshire seeing about 95% eclipse, and most of the country seeing about 90% coverage.
Wales is among the best places in the UK to watch the solar eclipse on Wednesday, with the celestial event seen between 18:17 and 20:06.
Because the eclipse takes place during the evening, a clear view of the western horizon will be key.
Pembrokeshire is expected to see between 94% and 96% of the Sun covered, according to the Met Office, with Strumble Head in Pembrokeshire ranking as one of the best spots for eclipse viewing - with a relatively low average cloud cover in August: 54% - boosting the chances of clear skies.
For coastal views, head to Strumble Head, where you can watch the eclipse unfold over the sea from 213 metres above sea level.
Situated off the Pembrokeshire coast, a region recognised as one of the UK's premier locations for viewing the August 2026 solar eclipse, Caldey Island is also opening after hours, offering a special ‘booking only’ trip to the Island for this rare event.
“Join us for the first time ever as we open Caldey Island after hours for a rare and unforgettable solar eclipse experience,” shared Caldey Island.
“As evening falls and the island settles into its peaceful night-time atmosphere, guests will enjoy exclusive access to one of Pembrokeshire's most remarkable locations to witness this extraordinary celestial event.
“Perched at one of the island's most spectacular viewpoints, the lighthouse offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and open sea. With uninterrupted horizons in every direction, it provides a truly memorable setting from which to witness one of nature's most remarkable displays.
“As daylight gradually fades and the Moon passes across the face of the Sun, guests will be able to enjoy the experience from a unique island setting unlike any other.”

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Transcript
00:00We've always been told, don't look directly at the sun.
00:04Well, this time tomorrow, across Europe,
00:06it'll be hidden by the moon.
00:08As the two come into line with Earth,
00:11the National Museum of Cardiff happen
00:13to be hosting this Helios, a safer way
00:16to see the sun up close.
00:17It's gone down wonderfully.
00:19It looks incredible.
00:20So it's really captured everyone's imaginations.
00:23You see them as they come in, their eyes just light up.
00:26And being able to have that tiny little Earth there as well,
00:28showing the scale as well,
00:30really shows where we are in the world
00:32and how important tomorrow's event is.
00:35Now, we know you can't look directly at the sun,
00:38but there are plenty of safe ways to watch tomorrow's eclipse.
00:41You can use a pair of special glasses
00:43that offer more protection than sunglasses.
00:46Or at home, you can make a pinhole projector
00:49using a piece of card or a colander from the kitchen
00:51and projecting the eclipse onto a blank surface.
00:55We've made out of cardboard box with a piece of paper
00:59and tin foil, poked a hole, and you stand the opposite side
01:03to the sun, and then we can watch it through that
01:06so we're not directly looking.
01:07Trying to keep them awake is probably going to be the hardest thing,
01:10because they'll be desperate to watch it
01:11and then tell me they missed it when they've fallen asleep.
01:13So, we're staying in city centre, so we're hoping just out in the park,
01:17we'll be, sort of, the park area will be good enough.
01:20And do you think you'll watch tomorrow?
01:21Oh, yes, definitely. Definitely.
01:24Particularly now that I know it's going to be, what was the word,
01:27stronger than the last one or more noticeable than the last one?
01:31Some of the best places to watch here will be towards the west.
01:34The coast had Porth Call, St David's and Aberystwyth.
01:38In the north, places like Holly Head should also offer good views.
01:42It'll be visible from around quarter past six
01:44and then peak at around quarter past seven.
01:47Now, we won't see an eclipse like this again here until around 2090,
01:51so astronomers, novice or otherwise, will be making the most of this opportunity,
01:57including our very own Sabrina Lee.
01:59She's travelled all the way to Spain to get the best view she can.
02:02I've come on holidays with my friends to see the solar eclipse.
02:06So the reason why we've chosen northern Spain is because it's in the path of totality,
02:10which means the sand will be completely blocked by the moon.
02:13So in Wales, even though it's a partial solar eclipse,
02:16it's actually going to be a really good eclipse,
02:18where over 90% of the sand will be blocked, so a really impressive sight.
02:22I really hope you get to watch, and I'll see you back in the studio very soon.
02:26Back on home soil, there's growing excitement over this once-in-a-generation chance
02:31to see an almost total eclipse.
02:34That's true.
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