Birmingham is just hours away from witnessing one of the fullest solar eclipses seen in years. More than 90 per cent of the sun is due to be eclipsed by the moon tomorrow (Wednesday, August 12), with the sight not believed to roll around again until 2081. The last major eclipse was sighted in 1999.
Eclipse timing and visibility
A Met Office visual published earlier today (August 12) suggests at around 7.11pm, 91.45 per cent of the sun will be obscured by the moon. If you are viewing around the UK, times may slightly differ, with the eclipse expected between 6.17pm and 8.06pm.
While Brits are waiting in anticipation to (safely) see what the eclipse will bring tomorrow evening, BirminghamLive is taking a look back at some of the other eclipses we've spotted in Birmingham over the years.
Images from the 2015 solar eclipse
Images of the solar eclipse in March 2015 show Brummies, along with Birmingham Astronomical Society, looking up at the eclipse. One image shows the eclipse as seen from the Fort Dunlop building. Other pictures capture the public and members of Birmingham Astronomical Society with telescopes trained on the rare solar eclipse at around 9:30am at Millennium Point. Some viewers used a pinhole camera to view the eclipse safely.
The 2015 eclipse was a significant event for the city, drawing crowds of enthusiasts and curious onlookers alike. The society's members provided guidance and equipment for safe viewing, ensuring that everyone could enjoy the spectacle without risking eye damage.
Looking ahead to 2081
With the next major eclipse not expected until 2081, tomorrow's event offers a rare opportunity for Birmingham residents to witness a near-total solar eclipse. The Met Office's forecast suggests clear skies for much of the UK, though local conditions may vary.
As the city prepares for the event, astronomers and enthusiasts are urging the public to use proper eye protection, such as eclipse glasses or pinhole projectors, to avoid serious injury. The eclipse is set to be a memorable occasion, uniting the community in a shared moment of wonder.
