Partial solar eclipse LIVE

People in the UK saw a partial solar eclipse on Saturday 29 March 2025, during which the Moon covered up to 40% of the Sun at its peak.

Here at the Royal Observatory Greenwich we live streamed the eclipse using one of our modern telescopes, giving viewers a chance to see the special moment safely.

We were very fortunate to have clear skies to watch the event. Royal Observatory astronomer Dr Greg Brown talked us through the science of the Sun and solar eclipses, as we watched the Moon slide in front of the Sun's surface.

Coverage started live on YouTube and Facebook from 10am. Watch back the live stream below.

The Royal Observatory is part of Royal Museums Greenwich, a charity that relies on your support to maintain our telescopes and preserve our historic buildings. If you enjoy our live shows or want to support our astronomers’ important work, please donate today.

The last UK partial solar eclipse took place on Saturday 29 March 2025 in the UK. It began at 10.07am GMT in London and ended at 12pm. 

The eclipse reached its 'maximum' - the moment when the greatest portion of the Sun was hidden - at 11.03am. During this particular eclipse, at the maximum around 30-40% of the Sun was obscured.

How long did the 2025 solar eclipse last?

The partial eclipse lasted for around one hour and 53 minutes.

What is a partial solar eclipse?

In the UK this eclipse was a partial solar eclipse, which means the Sun's light was not completely blocked. 

When is the next total solar eclipse in the UK?

If you want to see a total solar eclipse in the UK, we're afraid you're going to have to wait until the year 2090! 

If you can't wait that long, there will be a very impressive 90% partial eclipse visible from the UK on 12 August 2026. We'll be live streaming that from the Royal Observatory too, so stay tuned for more details!

Find out more about eclipses

How can I see the solar eclipse?

Warning: never look directly at the Sun. This can cause serious eye damage or even blindness.

If you want to try to see a solar eclipse yourself, please remember that you must use adequate eye protection.

• Check if your local astronomical society is hosting a solar eclipse event, as they will have many instruments specifically for solar viewing or telescopes that have been fitted with the right filters.
• If you can’t get out to these events and still want to look at the eclipse directly, you can purchase solar eclipse viewing glasses. Please note that sunglasses or 3D glasses will not protect your eyes.
• The safest and cheapest way to view the event is by pinhole projection. This is extremely safe as there is no need to look directly at the Sun and the display can be shared by a few people together.

Main image by David Paleino on Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0