EYES to the skies, stargazers! There are three total solar eclipses coming up in as many years – including an extra special one.
We’re not far from what some call the “eclipse of the century”, and millions of people around the world will get a chance to see it.
The latest total solar eclipse to grace Earth‘s skies was back in April 2024.
Skywatchers in the USA, Canada, and Mexico were able to see the stunning space spectacle – although Brits haven’t caught one since August 1999.
So if you want another chance to see one soon, we’ll reveal exactly where you need to be.
WHAT IS A TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE?
Solar eclipses happen when the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth.
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It puts the Earth in the Moon’s shadow – but because the Moon is quite small, the shadow only affects specific regions of our planet at any one time.
The best type of eclipse is a total solar eclipse.
That’s when the Moon completely covers the Sun for observers who are watching from the umbra – the darkest part of the shadow.
Sometimes, the Moon, Sun, and Earth don’t line up perfectly, so only part of our star is covered.
That’s called a partial solar eclipse, because only a section of the Sun is blocked by the Moon.
They’re a stunning sight, but pose serious danger: you must never look at a partial solar eclipse with the naked eye.
And during a total solar eclipse, the only period where it can be safe to view the event without protective glasses is during the totality (when the Sun is totally covered) which only lasts for a few minutes.
Using regular sunglasses isn’t safe for viewing: you need approved solar glasses that give your eyes enough protection.
If you stare at the Sun, even during a significant partial eclipse or outside of the totality in a total eclipse, you risk permanent eye damage.
WHEN ARE THE NEXT TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSES?
There are several eclipses coming up to look out for.
The next total solar eclipse is on August 12, 2026.
To see that one, you’ll need to be on the Balearic Islands or in the middle of Spain, or along a curved arc that then runs over the Atlantic Ocean up the west of Iceland, and then the east of Greenland
In the UK, you’ll still get a show, but sadly it won’t be a total eclipse.
Instead it should be a major partial eclipse, covering about 90% of the Sun, giving it a wondrous crescent appearance.
Next up is the August 2, 2027 eclipse, which has a very different route.
For this one, you’ll want to be in North Africa (think Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia), or the very south of Spain. It’ll also be visible in Saudi Arabia, if you happen to be in the area.
This eclipse will also be visible from the UK, but only partially.
“The partial eclipse will begin around 9am BST in London,” said the Royal Observatory Greenwich.
“It will reach maximum at 10am and end around 11am.
“At maximum roughly 45% of the Sun will be in shadow.”
The third eclipse is expected to take place on July 22, 2028.
To get this one as a total eclipse, you’ll need to be down in Australia or New Zealand – and the surrounding islands.
But lots of areas will see a partial solar eclipse, including much of south, southeast and east Asia.
It’s a big deal, as Sydney hasn’t had a total solar eclipse since March 26, 1857.
Sadly, the next total solar eclipse due over the UK isn’t due until September 23, 2090.
WHAT IS THE ‘ECLIPSE OF THE CENTURY’?
The “eclipse of the century” is the one taking place on August 2, 2027.
That’s because the Moon is close to its nearest point to Earth for this eclipse.
What’s special is that it’ll have the longest totality over land for the 21st century.
The best spot will be about 37 miles southeast of Luxor in Egypt.
If you’re there, you should see a totality lasting for six minutes and 22 seconds.
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It was technically beaten in 2009 by an eclipse totality that lasts for six minutes and 39.5 seconds, but that was over the Pacific Ocean.
And during the same eclipse, the longest point on land was over North Iwo Jima, which is uninhabited.
We won’t see a longer totality for a solar eclipse over easily accessible land until June 3, 2114.
