Residents of the Liverpool City Region are being urged to prepare for a rare astronomical spectacle on Wednesday 12 August 2026, when a deep partial solar eclipse will be visible from the area. At its peak, roughly 91.8% of the Sun will be obscured when observed from Liverpool, leaving only a narrow crescent in the western evening sky.
When to watch
The eclipse will unfold over almost two hours. Approximate local timings for viewers in and around Liverpool are:
| Stage | Approximate local time |
|---|---|
| Eclipse begins | 6:13pm |
| Maximum eclipse | 7:10pm |
| Eclipse ends | 8:04pm |
These times are approximate and may vary by a few seconds depending on the precise viewing location across the city region.
What observers can expect
Although more than nine-tenths of the Sun will be hidden at maximum, Liverpool is not inside the narrow corridor of totality. The Sun will not disappear entirely and the city will not experience the full darkness associated with a total eclipse. Instead, residents may notice a pronounced dimming of natural light, with conditions resembling dusk or a particularly cloudy evening. A small fall in temperature is also possible as the Moon blocks sunlight.
Best places to watch in and around Liverpool
The Sun will sit low towards the west at the time of the eclipse, so observers should pick locations with a clear, unobstructed westerly horizon. Coastal and elevated sites are likely to offer the best views. Suggested public vantage points include:
- Crosby Beach — open horizon to the west
- Formby Beach — long seafront and clear sky access
- New Brighton waterfront — western views across the Mersey Estuary
- Southport seafront — broad, unobstructed outlooks
- Elevated public spaces with western exposure in Liverpool city centre and neighbouring suburbs
Safety — critical viewing advice
Direct observation of the Sun without proper protection can cause permanent eye damage. Observers are advised to follow established safety guidance:
- Use specialist solar viewing glasses that meet recognised safety standards — ordinary sunglasses are not sufficient.
- Alternatively, employ indirect methods such as a pinhole projector to project the Sun’s image onto a flat surface.
- Do not look at the Sun through cameras, binoculars or telescopes unless they are fitted with appropriate solar filters designed for that equipment.
Anyone planning to travel to coastal or elevated sites should also consider safety and accessibility: arrive early to secure a clear sightline and take adequate clothing, as conditions may feel cooler than typical August evenings.
While the narrow path of totality will pass through parts of Greenland, Iceland and Spain, much of the UK — including Liverpool — will witness one of the most substantial partial eclipses visible from these islands since the 1999 total eclipse. For many residents, the event offers a rare opportunity to observe a major celestial alignment without leaving the region.
Local councils and astronomy groups may publish further guidance and organised viewing events in the coming weeks; members of the public should consult official channels for updates and safety advice ahead of 12 August.
