Jump directly to the content

When is the next solar eclipse in the UK?

CHRISTMAS revellers are set to see a 'ring of fire' appear in the sky on Boxing Day in an annular solar eclipse.

It will only take place in certain parts of the world and differs from a total solar eclipse - here's all you need to know.

 A total solar eclipse makes the sky dark within minutes during daylight hours
A total solar eclipse makes the sky dark within minutes during daylight hoursCredit: Getty - Contributor

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next solar eclipse isn't until August 2026, but on Boxing Day there will be an annular solar eclipse, which creates a beautiful orange ring in the sky.

Unlike a total solar eclipse, the moon doesn't completely block out the sun, leaving a dazzling 'ring of fire'.

According to TimeandDate.com, the first part of the partial eclipse will begin at 02.29 UTC on Boxing Day, with the last part occurring at 08.05 UTC.

While that will be the middle of the night for Britain and Europe, in Asia and Australia the annular solar eclipse will turn day time into darkness.

Where will you be able to see it in the UK?

Sadly, the phenomenon won't be visible in the UK and Europe, but for Asia and Australia it will be a spectacle.

But they will need to be quick if they want to say it, the eclipse only lasts a maximum of three minutes and 40 seconds.

Despite not being able to watch it in person, TimeandDate.com will be live streaming the event on its YouTube channel, as will NASA.




 Solar eclipses are a rare celestial event that can be seen from Earth

What is a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse takes place when the sun, moon and earth align together in a straight line.

The moon blocks the sun’s rays and gives people a chance to witness its fiery corona.

Astronomer Patrick McCarthy is the vie president of the GMT and told the BBC that anyone who witnesses a solar eclipse is completely "mesmerised" by it.

"Going into a total solar eclipse is a remarkable feeling,’" he said.

"The colours get bluer, the shadows change and everything on the ground looks washed out. It’s as if the world is becoming darker, almost monochromatic."

Stargazers will also want to check out our guide for when to spot every lunar eclipse until 2030.

Check out the best Super Blood Moon pictures we've seen so far.

Read about the wacky Blood Moon conspiracy theories here.

And read about the space mysteries Nasa still can't explain.

Will you be tuning in to watch the solar eclipse? Let us know in the comments!
