Everything you need to know about watching the solar eclipse in Greater Manchester

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

People all across the UK will be able to see an almost total solar eclipse in the sky tomorrow evening.

For the first time this century, with the last one being all the way back in 1999, people in the UK and Ireland – including here in Greater Manchester – will get to see 90-96% of the sun covered by the moon tomorrow (12 August 2026), and if that wasn’t exciting enough as it is, this will be the last chance to do so until 2081.

NASA and Royal Museums Greenwich has confirmed that tomorrow’s solar eclipse will be the most coverage seen from the UK and Ireland since the 1999 event.

But what can astronomy fans in Greater Manchester expect from tomorrow’s eclipse? When will it be happening? How much coverage is our region going to see? And where are some of the best places to watch?

Here’s everything you need to know.

ADVERTISEMENT

What is a solar eclipse?

First up, let’s get the basics out the way – what is a solar eclipse? A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the sun and the Earth, blocking the sun’s light either partly or fully.

Although the UK will only see a partial solar eclipse this time, some other countries – such as parts of Iceland, Spain, Portugal, and Greenland – will be lucky enough to witness the spectacle of a total eclipse for a duration of up to two minutes and 18 seconds.

ADVERTISEMENT

When will it be happening?

The eclipse is set to start at 6:13pm in Greater Manchester, and will run right through to 8:03pm – with the peak happening at 7:10pm.

How much coverage can Greater Manchester expect?

Of course, we always have to preface anything we say about astronomical events like this by saying ‘it depends on the weather’, as we do like in the North West after all, and even though it is the height of summer, that won’t stop the skies from being overcast.

Luckily though, the Met Office is predicting some of the best weather conditions for an event like this in a long time, so it really is worth watching.

Spectators in Manchester will see 91.9% coverage, according to expert sources.

Where are some of the best places to watch the solar eclipse in Greater Manchester?

As a general rule, any open and elevated position with a view to the West will be the best place to catch a glimpse of this rare spectacle.

But across Greater Manchester, we have plenty of those, so some of the most recommended places to see the solar eclipse include Werneth Low, Rivington Pike, or even Salford Quays. There are also a number of dedicated viewing events happening in places like Heaton Park, Platt Fields Park, and Barton Aerodrome to make the most of.

How can I watch the eclipse safely?

If there’s one thing experts are stressing, it’s the need to take correct precautions if you are planning to watch tomorrow.

The most important thing is to wear eclipse glasses and avoid looking directly at the sun.

It’s true that during an eclipse, the sun does appears dimmer therefore making it easier to look at directly, however solar radiation can still reach and damage the retina, often without causing any pain, so you may not realise harm is occurring until it’s too late.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advises that there are two safe approaches – specialist eclipse viewers, or indirect viewing methods.

Eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers must be genuine, sold by a reputable retailer, and have specially designed filters that meet the international safety standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E). They must also have no scratches, tearing, or damage to the lens.

Read more:

Old pairs may not be reusable, and sunglasses should never be used.

Indirect view methods include viewing the sun’s image projected through a colander or the gaps between tree leaves on to white paper, or using a pinhole pierced in one sheet of card and projected on to another.

Featured Image – Mathew Schwartz (via Unsplash)

A rare piglet born at Chester Zoo could help save an entire species from extinction

Danny Jones Danny Jones Rare endangered baby pig born at Chester Zoo

A very cute and rare new arrival at Chester Zoo could potentially save the animal’s future, and she might just be one of the cutest little piglets we’ve ever seen.

Say hello to Rana.

A tiny ‘babirusa’ – also sometimes referred to as the ‘pig-deer’ – Rana is an indigenous species found on just four small Indonesian islands, and one which is sadly on the verge of extinction, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

Part of the threat to the population is due to African Swine Fever (not to be confused with swine flu), which reached these islands around half a decade ago and could see these precious little pigs considered ‘critically endangered’ very soon. But Chester Zoo are working hard to prevent this outcome.

Credit: Chester Zoo (supplied)

Born this summer, Rana is the baby of mother babirusa Matano, who was herself born at Chester Zoo over a decade ago.

Fast forward 11 years, and she has descendants living in zoos all across Europe, as well as a whole new generation of children here in the UK.

However, she is the first one born in some time, with this particular phylum only ever birthing one or two kids at a time as opposed to a litter like most other pigs.

Described as being like grapefruit “only with legs”, she may be small for now, but she’s growing fast and carries the weight of big hopes and expectations for the rest of her kind.

Chester Zoo conservationists are currently working with partners to protect wild babirusa populations through Action Indonesia‘s Global Species Management Plans.

Helping design camera-trapping projects to monitor babirusas on Sulawesi, and working with other organisations to locate and protect surviving numbers, the aim is to share conservation breeding expertise, with results so far having bred at least 17 babirusas towards national cooperative targets.

For context, only on two occasions were babirusas photographed in the wild during the entirety of 2023-24, hence why efforts have been ramped up even further over the past year or so.

Amy Humphreys, a conservationist at the zoo who is working with Action Indonesia, the country’s government and other groups to combat their decline and rescue this species, says we are in “a race against time” to save these omnivorous, ‘charismatic’ and intelligent pigs.

She goes on to add that “babirusas are important to island ecosystems as they drop seeds as they forage, helping forest regeneration, and they are a key indicator species for overall environmental health, but their situation is bleak.

“We risk losing a truly unique species, one that’s an important part of Indonesia’s cultural and natural heritage and one of the oldest pig species still living […] Rana’s arrival is worth celebrating; her birth is a chance to shine a light on babirusas and show people why they deserve protection.”

It’s uplifting and inspiring stories like this that constantly remind us why we’re fortunate we are to have the award-winning zoo and conservation centre in our region; and if you were wondering whether we’ll be booking a trip soon just in hopes of seeing little Rana running around, you’d be absolutely right.

You can get tickets to visit Chester Zoo for just £10 this summer
We’re honestly so lucky to have it on our doorstep.

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE

Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied)

More

Manchester Storm USAsports NHL merch pop-up stand

Business

Manchester Storm announce partnership with USAsports including NHL pop-ups and more

Boroughs

New BBC series based on bestselling book to film in Manchester with big-name actors

Joseph Holt dementia support sessions

Bury

Manchester pub chain providing lifeline for dementia sufferers with vital support sessions

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches