Partial Solar Eclipse

Wednesday 12 August 2026: Partial solar eclipse (well it’s both a local and very distant event!)

Partial solar eclipse: as the sun begins to set see the eclipse as the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, resulting in 91% coverage of the sun by the moon’s shadow – making it the most significant eclipse since the total eclipse of 1999.

Devon, is set to be one of the best places in the UK to view the phenomenon, which will begin with “first contact” at 6.18pm as the Moon starts its transit. The eclipse will peak at 7.16pm, plunging the sky into near-total darkness, before returning to normal at around 8.10pm. As the eclipse reaches its peak, you may notice the light becoming softer, temperatures dropping slightly and the landscape taking on an eerie glow. Birds often become quieter, and some flowers even begin to close, thinking night has arrived.

The Met Office forecasts excellent viewing conditions, predicting clear skies and warm afternoon temperatures reaching up to 28°C across parts of the county.

The Perseid meteor shower is also close to its peak this week, so once darkness falls, keep looking up; you may be treated to shooting stars too.

NB. You can order Solar eclipse glasses from The Village shop £2 a pair; see: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1765231628393814

(This is not an SSB organised event!!)