image: ©Alberfb | iStock

During the eclipse, the Moon will pass in front of the Sun, covering as much as 96% of its surface in parts of the UK. While the path of totality will pass through eastern Greenland, western Iceland and northern Spain, the British Isles will experience a particularly deep partial eclipse.

The southwest of the UK will see the greatest coverage, although the difference across the country will be relatively small. From the Isles of Scilly, around 96.5% of the Sun will be covered, compared with 87.9% at SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands.

The eclipse will take place during the early evening, with the first signs appearing shortly before 6pm BST. Maximum coverage across the UK will occur between around 7:05 pm and 7:13 pm.

Because the Sun will be relatively close to the horizon, viewers will need a clear view towards the west-northwest. The low position of the Sun could create striking views but also makes the eclipse more vulnerable to distant cloud.

Weather could be one of the biggest challenges. Long-term statistics suggest that UK locations have only around a 30% chance of clear skies in mid-August.

Anyone watching the eclipse must use ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe for viewing the Sun.

Those using cameras, telescopes or binoculars will also need proper solar filters fitted to the front of their equipment.

Once the eclipse has ended, the Perseid meteor shower will reach its peak on the night of 12–13 August, with particularly favourable conditions because the Moon will be just a few hours past its new phase.

Under ideal conditions, the Perseids can produce up to 100 meteors an hour, while typical rates from a dark UK location are around 20–40 per hour.

The best viewing is expected after midnight, giving skywatchers the chance to turn one remarkable evening into an entire night of astronomy.