The major total eclipse of Monday 8 April 2024 is only visible in Mexico and North America as a total event. But while most people in the UK won’t see any eclipse at all, whatever the weather, some places in the north and west of the country have the chance of seeing a small partial event at sunset.
The total eclipse, where the Moon completely covers the Sun, will be a big event in America, and a huge population have the chance to witness the sight. The path of totality ends some 420 km off our western shores, in the Atlantic. From the UK, only a small partial eclipse will be visible near sunset.
The area where the partial eclipse will be visible includes the whole of Scotland, Northern Ireland and west Wales, as shown on the map below, along with Cumbria and the Lancashire coast and the tip of Cornwall and the Scilly Isles. However, a very low north-western horizon will be needed for most locations, and only those with a sea horizon or on hills with a good aspect in that direction, as well as a clear sky, will see anything. The west-facing coastlines are the most favourable. The weather forecast for most of the UK is, however, very poor.
A sunset eclipse can be dramatic, but in this case the Moon covers only the lower edge of the Sun, so the Sun will need to be fully above the horizon. Circumstances from several UK locations are shown below. Although the Sun will be dimmed by the atmosphere, should skies be clear please use suitable eye protection and do not view the event with a telescope or binoculars. Advice on safe viewing is given here, which refers to a previous solar eclipse.
