Sunset eclipse to be livestreamed from roof of 350-year-old Observatory
On 12 August 2026, the largest solar eclipse since 1999 will be visible in the UK and will be livestreamed by the astronomers at Royal Observatory Greenwich.
Over 90 percent of the Sun’s surface will be obscured by the Moon during this sunset eclipse. The next eclipse of this size visible in the UK will be in 2081 and the next total solar eclipse in 2090, making this a once-in-a-generation experience.
The timeline for the eclipse on 12 August 2026 eclipse is:
- 18.17 BST – First contact – the eclipse begins
- 19.13 BST – Maximum eclipse
- 20.06 BST – Eclipse ends
- 20.28 BST – Sunset
From 18.10 BST, two live streams will be broadcast from the roof of Flamsteed House at the Royal Observatory. On the Royal Observatory Greenwich’s YouTube channel, the eclipse will be viewed alongside commentary from two of the Observatory’s astronomers. Commentary will end shortly after the eclipse’s maximum.
A quiet feed will also be available on Royal Museums Greenwich’s YouTube channel. This feed will continue until the end of the eclipse.
Dr Greg Brown, astronomer at Royal Observatory Greenwich said, ‘This eclipse is by far the best the UK has seen since the total eclipse of 1999 and we won’t be getting a better one until 2081. It’s not one to be missed!’
For visitors at the Royal Observatory, solar observing will take place in the Astronomers’ Garden from 16.00 BST. This will provide visitors with different ways to safely observe the sunset eclipse alongside expert advice from the Flamsteed Astronomy Society.
Astronomers at the Royal Observatory stress the importance of safely observing an eclipse. Dr Greg Brown said, ‘Despite how close this eclipse will get, it still won’t be safe to watch with the naked eye. Observers must make certain to use certified eclipse glasses, a pinhole projector or use specially adapted telescopes or binoculars.’
Certified eclipse glasses are available to buy at the Royal Observatory or at shop.rmg.co.uk.
The astronomy engagement programme is kindly sponsored by Bloomberg, CGI and Michael Edwards OBE.
The livestreams are available to media organisations free of charge and must be credited ‘Royal Observatory Greenwich’. For more information or for permission to host a livestream, please contact
Royal Museums Greenwich Press Office
press@rmg.co.uk | 020 8312 6790
Information for visitors:
Venue: Royal Observatory Greenwich
Dates:12 August 2026
Tickets: Included in admission to Royal Observatory Greenwich
In August, as part of the Great British Summer Savings, admission is
£18 Adult | £12 Child | Concessions available
Website: rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory
Visitor Enquiries: 020 8858 4422 | bookings@rmg.co.uk
Notes to editors:
- The Royal Observatory Greenwich is home of Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian and one of the most important historic scientific sites in the world. Since its founding in 1675, Greenwich has been at the centre of the measurement of time and space, and visitors today can still stand on the historic Prime Meridian line. The Observatory is currently embarking on a £77 million capital project, ‘First Light’. This will improve access to astronomy education and exploration through inspiring new galleries and displays, innovative architecture, sensitive conservation and improved access, building on the foundations of 350 years of scientific scholarship and excellence. For more information, visit www.rmg.co.uk/firstlight.
- The Royal Observatory Greenwich is part of Royal Museums Greenwich which also incorporates the National Maritime Museum, the 17th-century Queen’s House and the famous clipper ship Cutty Sark. This unique collection of museums and heritage buildings form a key part of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also a major centre of education and research. The mission of Royal Museums Greenwich is to enrich people’s understanding of the sea, the exploration of space, and Britain's role in world history. For more information, visit www.rmg.co.uk