Missed the Eclipse? Don’t Panic, British Skies Aren't Done Yet!

If you missed the moon taking a massive bite out of the sun on 12 August, do not worry. You have not missed your only shot at experiencing an astronomical show from British soil.

While full totality remains elusive on home turf until 2090, a lineup of dramatic solar and lunar events is set to transform daytime and nighttime skies over the coming years. From deep partial solar coverage to striking late-night lunar eclipses, tracking these cosmic events requires good prep, solid fieldcraft, and reliable kit.

UKSN members across the country need to mark their calendars and get ready for the next round.

Upcoming UK Solar Eclipses

The coming years present rare opportunities to witness partial solar coverage right from your favourite local wild spot or coastal path.

Date	UK Coverage Type	Max Obscuration	Best UK Viewing Locations
2 August 2027	Partial	30% – 50%	English Channel Coast, Southern England
26 January 2028	Sunset Partial	40% – 50%	High ground with flat western horizons
1 June 2030	Partial	45% – 55%	Scottish Highlands & Shetland Islands
3 September 2081	Near Total	Up to 99%	Cornwall & South Coast
23 September 2090	Total Eclipse	100%	Devon, Cornwall, South Coast

Top Tip: High coastal paths, Dartmoor, and prominent hills will offer front-row seats for these low-horizon events.

Darkness at Night: Upcoming Lunar Eclipses

The moon will also be putting on its own show. Unlike solar events that require clear line-of-sight to a specific point on the horizon, lunar eclipses can be enjoyed by anyone on the night side of the Earth.

• 28 August 2026: A partial lunar eclipse peaking in the early morning hours, with roughly 90% of the moon slipping into Earth's dark shadow.

• 31 December 2028: A rare Blood Moon Total Lunar Eclipse visible right across the UK on New Year's Eve.

• 20 December 2029: Another full Total Lunar Eclipse, visible from start to finish across British skies.

Off-Grid Astronomy: The Prep Checklist

Observing celestial events out in the field requires the right fieldcraft and safety precautions. Looking directly at any solar event without proper protection can cause instant, permanent eye damage.

Dedicated Eye Safety

Standard sunglasses do not work. You need ISO 12312-2 certified solar eclipse glasses or a welding shade rated 14 or higher. If you are using optics like binoculars or spotting scopes, the solar filter MUST be fitted over the front lens, never over the eyepiece, or the concentrated heat will melt the filter.

Emergency Pinhole Projector

If you do not have certified glasses, build a field projector using basic kit. Puncture a clean hole in a piece of card, hold it up to the sun, and project the crescent shadow onto a flat white sheet or paper placed on the ground behind it.

Temperature Drop Gear

During deep partial solar coverage, ambient temperatures can plunge rapidly within minutes as solar radiation drops. Always pack an extra windproof mid-layer in your daysack, even on a warm summer afternoon.

The UKSN Field Challenge: Shadow & Light

Ready to test your observational fieldcraft for the next big sky event? Grab your family and friends or head out on a solo trek for this month's official challenge.

The Task: Construct a field-ready pinhole projection camera or a multi-aperture viewing board using only natural or repurposed camp materials (like a mess tin lid, cardboard packaging, or a piece of bark). Practice setting up a clear projection screen on the ground, align your projector with the light source, and test your focus setup.

Take a photo of your constructed projector and its shadow output, then post it to the UKSN Facebook Group or WhatsApp Community. Points are awarded for build quality, clever use of camp kit, and field portability.