Exploring Solar Eclipses: Why the UK Misses the April 8 Blackout and What's Next

Are you curious about the next solar eclipse in the UK and why the April 8 blackout won't be visible there? Let's dive into the details!

Firstly, let's talk about the upcoming total solar eclipse, a rare celestial event that captures the attention of millions. Unfortunately, this time the luck of witnessing it stops at the eastern edge of the Atlantic Ocean, missing out on the UK.

The total solar eclipse is scheduled for April 8, and the path of totality, where total darkness replaces sunlight, will sweep across North America, from Mexico through the United States and on to the eastern edges of Canada. NASA has provided a handy guide for those in the path of totality to experience this breathtaking phenomenon.

However, for UK and Ireland residents, the chances of seeing the eclipse are slim. Although there's a possibility of some coverage in cities like Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Cork, Dublin, and Belfast, with Glasgow expecting a maximum obscuration of 11.25 percent, the overall visibility is low. The event is expected to start at around 7.52pm GMT and end at 8.51pm.

Now, let's look ahead to the next solar eclipses that UK residents can anticipate. The first one is set for March 29, 2025, with maximum coverage around 11.03am GMT. While it won't be the most visually striking eclipse, with only 30 to 40 percent of the Sun obscured, it's a start.

The better news comes with the second eclipse on August 12, 2026, where there will be approximately 90 percent coverage of the Sun by the Moon. This event will start at 6.17pm, with peak coverage at 7.13pm, offering a more impressive spectacle for sky gazers.

Looking further into the future, the UK will have to wait more than 65 years for the next total solar eclipse experience. The next total eclipse is projected for September 23, 2090, a significant event given the last total eclipse in the UK occurred on August 11, 1999.

So while the UK might miss out on the April 8 blackout, there are still exciting celestial events to look forward to in the coming years!