Looking Up: A Rare Solar Eclipse Over Oxfordshire
On Wednesday 12 August, a partial solar eclipse will be visible across Oxfordshire and much of the UK. At its peak, shortly after 7pm, more than 90% of the Sun is expected to be covered by the Moon, making this one of the most impressive solar eclipses visible from the UK in many years.
Published: 12/08/2026
What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking some or all of the Sun's light.
Today's event is a partial solar eclipse from the UK, meaning that the Moon will cover a large part of the Sun, but the Sun will not disappear completely.
In Oxfordshire, the eclipse will take place during the early evening, with the maximum occurring at around 7:10pm BST. The exact appearance will depend on where you are and, of course, whether the clouds decide to cooperate!
A moment worth sharing
Events like this can be a wonderful excuse to spend a little time together.
Perhaps you will watch from your garden, take an evening walk, sit outside with a cup of tea, or simply enjoy the changing light from a window. For some people, it may be the first eclipse they have ever taken the time to watch. For others, it may bring back memories of eclipses they've seen earlier in life.
Sometimes it is these simple moments that become the ones we remember.
At Right at Home Oxford, we believe care should be about more than simply getting through the day. Our approach is centred around helping people maintain their independence, routines, relationships and connections with the things that matter to them.
That might mean supporting someone to get out and about, helping them enjoy time with family and friends, or simply being there to share a conversation and a cup of tea.
Today, perhaps it means taking a few minutes to look up at the sky together.
;)
Watching safely
While a solar eclipse is fascinating to watch, it is important to protect your eyes.
Never look directly at the Sun without appropriate eye protection. Ordinary sunglasses do not provide enough protection, even when the Sun is partly covered or the sky is cloudy.
If you are planning to view the eclipse, use specialist solar eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standard, or use a safe projection method such as a pinhole projector.
Do not look at the Sun through a camera, telescope or binoculars unless the equipment has been specifically fitted with the correct solar filter.
;)
Enjoy the moment
Whether you are watching from Oxford, Headington, Kidlington, Abingdon, Bicester, Witney or somewhere else across Oxfordshire, we hope you get the chance to enjoy this unusual sight.
And if you are lucky enough to watch it with someone else, even better.
After all, sometimes the most memorable moments are the ones we simply take the time to share.
From all of us at Right at Home Oxford, enjoy the eclipse, and stay safe while watching it. 🌒
For more information about safely viewing today's eclipse, please refer to guidance from reputable astronomy organisations and event organisers.