Beacon Update: The Partial Solar Eclipse 12th August 2026 - safe viewing methods, local events and accessible tools

This week marks a significant celestial event. The solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, will be a rare and spectacular event for the UK, marking one of the largest solar eclipses in nearly 30 years.

This Beacon update provides information on safe viewing methods, as it is never safe to look directly at the Sun, local viewing events and tools that may help create an accessible experience of the eclipse.

The forecast of warm weather with a mix of cloud and brightness on Wednesday means there should be at least some chance of experiencing the eclipse if the cloud breaks at the right time — though, as ever, the Black Country sky may decide to keep a bit of drama for itself, but will serve as a gentle reminder that the solar eclipse can be observed in a multisensory way, with changes in ambient sound, temperature, wind, crowd reaction, and animal behaviour- all becoming part of the solar show.