Residents of Canada and the United States are watching the upcoming London eclipse as a reminder of the next opportunities to view solar eclipses on North American soil. Londoners are excitedly awaiting this evening's solar eclipse, which is set to be the deepest once over the United Kingdom since 1999.
Hundreds of people have rushed to shops this week in search of specialist eclipse glasses, while others are considering homemade methods of viewing the event. Eye experts have warned people never to look directly at the Sun, as doing so can cause serious and potentially permanent damage to eyesight. Only approved solar-viewing equipment should be used.
Upcoming partial eclipses
On August 2, 2027, a partial eclipse will be visible from the UK during the morning, with around 30% to 45% of the Sun covered. The partial eclipse will begin around 9 am in London. It will reach maximum at 10 am and end around 11 am.
Another small partial eclipse will follow on January 26, 2028.
Future total eclipses
The most dramatic partial eclipse will not arrive until September 3, 2081, when around 99% of the Sun is expected to be obscured.
For those hoping to witness a total solar eclipse from the UK, however, the wait will be a long one, more than six decades after tonight's event, on September 23, 2090.
In Canada, the next major eclipse visible will be a partial event in 2027, while many U.S. states will also experience partial phases of the same celestial occurrences, offering a shared viewing experience across the border.