On Wednesday 12 August 2026, a deep partial solar eclipse will be visible from Worcester, weather permitting. The eclipse begins at about 6:15pm BST, reaches maximum at approximately 7:12pm, and ends at about 8:06pm.
At maximum eclipse, most of the Sun will be covered by the Moon. It should be a memorable sight, but it is important to remember that from Worcester the eclipse is never total. You must therefore use proper solar viewing protection for the whole time you look directly at the Sun.
What is happening on 12 August?
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun. The 12 August event is a total solar eclipse globally, with the path of totality crossing parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. The UK lies outside that path, so we will see a very deep partial eclipse instead.
In Worcester, the Moon will cover a large proportion of the Sun at maximum eclipse. The Sun will also be fairly low in the western sky, so a clear view towards the west-northwest will help.
Worcester eclipse times
| Stage | Approximate time |
|---|---|
| Partial eclipse begins | 6:15pm BST |
| Maximum eclipse | 7:12pm BST |
| Partial eclipse ends | 8:06pm BST |
These local times are based on astronomical calculations for Worcester and may vary by a few seconds depending on your exact location.
How to watch the eclipse safely
The safest rule is simple: never look directly at the Sun without proper solar viewing protection.
If you want to look directly at the eclipse, use specialist undamaged eclipse glasses made for direct solar viewing and marked as complying with ISO 12312-2. Because Worcester will only see a partial eclipse, these must stay on whenever you are looking at the Sun.
Ordinary sunglasses are not safe for eclipse viewing, however dark they appear. Home-made filters, smoked glass, CDs, DVDs and similar improvised methods should not be used.
Cameras, binoculars and telescopes
Never look at the Sun through binoculars, a telescope or a camera unless the equipment has the correct specialist solar filter securely fitted over the front of the optics. Magnifying equipment can concentrate sunlight and cause serious eye injury very quickly.
Eclipse glasses should also never be used as a substitute for a proper filter on binoculars or a telescope.
A safer alternative: indirect viewing
You do not have to look directly at the Sun to enjoy the eclipse. A simple pinhole projector can project an image of the Sun onto a piece of card or paper while you keep your back to the Sun. This can be particularly useful for families and children.
A live television or online broadcast is another completely safe way to follow the event, especially if cloud gets in the way.
Why can looking at the Sun damage your eyes?
The Sun produces enough intense light and radiation to damage the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Looking directly at it during a partial eclipse can cause long-term retinal damage.
One of the dangers is that retinal injury may not hurt while it is happening. You can therefore damage your vision without immediately realising it.
What symptoms should you watch for?
After unsafe solar viewing, possible symptoms can include blurred or distorted central vision, a dark or blank patch in the centre of your vision, altered colour vision or increased sensitivity to light.
If you notice any change in your sight after looking at the Sun, seek professional advice promptly. Significant or sudden changes in vision should be treated as urgent; see our Urgent Eyecare guidance.
Advice for parents and carers
Children may be especially tempted to look at the eclipse directly. Supervise them closely and make sure any eclipse viewers are genuine, undamaged and suitable for direct solar viewing.
For younger children, indirect projection or watching a live broadcast may be the simplest option. Our guide to children’s eye health has more practical advice for parents.
Enjoy a rare event safely
The 12 August eclipse should be one of the most impressive partial solar eclipses visible from the UK for many years. With the right protection, it can be enjoyed safely.
Remember: even when most of the Sun is hidden, the remaining crescent is still bright enough to damage your eyes. In Worcester there is no safe period during this eclipse when you can look directly at the Sun without proper protection.
Worcester solar eclipse: quick questions
What time is the solar eclipse in Worcester?
The partial eclipse begins at about 6:15pm BST, reaches maximum at approximately 7:12pm and ends at around 8:06pm on Wednesday 12 August 2026.
Will the eclipse be total in Worcester?
No. Worcester will experience a deep partial eclipse, so there will be no safe period for looking directly at the Sun without proper solar viewing protection.
Can I watch the eclipse through sunglasses?
No. Ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, do not provide safe protection for direct solar viewing. Use genuine, undamaged eclipse glasses marked as complying with ISO 12312-2.
What should I do if I accidentally looked at the Sun?
If you notice blurred or distorted central vision, a dark patch, altered colour vision or increased light sensitivity, seek professional advice promptly. Sudden or significant changes should be treated as urgent.
Concerned about your vision?
If you notice blurred, distorted or otherwise changed vision after looking at the Sun, contact Actons Opticians for advice.
This article is for general information only and does not replace an individual eye examination or urgent professional advice.
Sources and further reading: BBC Sky at Night Magazine: 12 August 2026 solar eclipse UK guide; Timeanddate.com: Worcester eclipse times; College of Optometrists: eclipse eye-safety advice.
