Manchester
Manchester is outside the path of totality, but still catches a striking partial eclipse on August 12, 2026: at maximum, around 7:10 PM BST, the Moon covers 91.3% of the Sun. The eclipse runs from about 6:13 PM through to 8:03 PM BST.
When it happens in Manchester
| Partial begins | 6:13 PM BST |
| Maximum (91.3% covered) | 7:10 PM BST |
| Partial ends | 8:03 PM BST |
All times local (BST); the Sun is 12° above the horizon at maximum.
What you'll see
A thick, dramatic crescent Sun rather than full darkness — at 91.3% coverage the light turns flat and eerie and temperatures dip, but the sky never goes properly dark and the corona stays hidden behind the Moon's edge. If you want the full black-Sun experience with the corona and sudden darkness, the path of totality runs across Iceland and northern and eastern Spain.
Where to watch from
At maximum the Sun is only 12° above the horizon, so any building, tree, or hill to the west-north-west will block your view entirely. Head somewhere with a genuinely clear, low horizon in that direction — a park on high ground, the waterfront at Salford Quays, or anywhere the rooftops don't intrude.
Protect your eyes
Because Manchester never sees totality, there is no moment when it is safe to look at the Sun without protection — keep certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses on from first contact at 6:13 PM all the way to the end at 8:03 PM. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe, and neither is looking through an unfiltered phone camera or binoculars.
Common questions
Will Manchester see a total solar eclipse?
No. Manchester sees a deep partial eclipse — 91.3% of the Sun covered at maximum — but the Sun is never fully blocked. Totality is only visible from the path crossing Iceland and northern and eastern Spain.
What time is the eclipse in Manchester?
The Moon starts to cover the Sun around 6:13 PM BST, maximum coverage of 91.3% is at 7:10 PM BST, and the eclipse is fully over by about 8:03 PM BST.
Do I need eclipse glasses in Manchester?
Yes, for the entire eclipse. Since the Sun is never fully covered from Manchester, there is no safe moment to look without certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses — keep them on from start to finish.