Yorkshire sees 90% partial solar eclipse

Thousands of people across Yorkshire gathered on Wednesday evening, August 12, 2026, to witness the most significant solar eclipse since the turn of the millennium. The partial eclipse peaked shortly after 19:00 BST, with many observers seeing more than 90% of the sun covered by the moon.

The astronomical event drew crowds throughout the region, as residents and visitors alike looked skyward to catch a glimpse of the rare phenomenon. A solar eclipse occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth align, with the moon casting a shadow on Earth as it passes between the planet and the sun, either completely or partially blocking out the sun's light.

This eclipse was particularly notable because it was the most substantial one visible from Yorkshire since the year 2000, making it a once-in-a-generation viewing opportunity for many. The high percentage of solar coverage meant that daylight dimmed noticeably during the peak, creating a memorable spectacle for those who had clear skies.

Photographs submitted to BBC Weather Watchers captured the event from various locations across Yorkshire, showcasing the moon's silhouette against the sun's disk. The images documented the progression of the eclipse as the moon moved across the sun's face, with the maximum coverage occurring just after 19:00 BST.

The last time Yorkshire experienced an eclipse of this magnitude was more than 25 years ago, at the turn of the millennium. Since then, partial eclipses have occurred, but none with such a high percentage of the sun obscured, according to the BBC's coverage of the event.

Following the eclipse, BBC Weather Watchers continued to receive submissions from viewers eager to share their photographs of the celestial event. The images serve as a record of a rare astronomical moment that will not be repeated in the region for many years to come.