Total Solar Eclipse: A Rare Celestial Event Coming to Britain in 2090
The total solar eclipse on 8 April 2024 has captivated the attention of astronomers and stargazers worldwide. However, for those residing in the British Isles, the event passed by without a glimpse of the moonlight shadow. But fear not, the next opportunity to witness this incredible phenomenon will come in 2090.
Before delving into the details of the upcoming eclipse, let’s explore what exactly a solar eclipse is. Eclipses occur when the Earth, Moon, and Sun align on the same line, with the Moon positioned in the middle. This alignment can only happen during the new Moon phase when all three celestial bodies are on the ecliptic, the plane in which they orbit. However, due to the inclination of the Moon’s orbit, which is only 5° relative to the ecliptic, solar eclipses are rare occurrences.
The magic of proportions plays a significant role in creating the spectacle of a total solar eclipse. The Moon is approximately 400 times smaller than the Sun, but from our perspective on Earth, they appear to be roughly the same size. This illusion allows the Moon’s disk to completely cover the Sun, resulting in areas on Earth being plunged into darkness, known as “totality.”
However, not everyone gets to experience totality during a solar eclipse. The full shadow, called Umbra, falls only on a limited part of Earth. Everywhere else witnesses a partial eclipse, known as Penumbra. Partial solar eclipses are much more common and occur frequently around the world.
So when can we expect a solar eclipse over Britain? The United Kingdom will have an opportunity to witness a partial penumbra during a total solar eclipse on 12th September 2026. The eclipse will begin above the Arctic and traverse Iceland, the Iberian Peninsula, and conclude its journey over the Mediterranean Sea. Although the trajectory of this eclipse will pass close to the British Isles, none of the Umbra will touch the UK.
For those eager to experience the awe-inspiring event of a total solar eclipse, some patience is required. The next opportunity for Britain to witness a total solar eclipse will not occur until 23rd September 2090. Thankfully, due to the nature of these celestial events, astronomers already know the exact trajectory of all possible solar eclipses that will take place between 2081 and 2090.
On 3rd September 2081, a total solar eclipse will pass through Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and the Arabian Peninsula before ending its path south of New Zealand. Fast forward to 2090, and the total eclipse of the Sun will visit limited areas of the UK. The penumbra will fall in southern Ireland and a small group of South-West English counties, including Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, and parts of Dorset.
While it may feel like a long wait until 2090, the anticipation and excitement surrounding a total solar eclipse make it worth every minute. So mark your calendars, because in 70 years, the British Isles will be treated to a celestial spectacle that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on all who witness it.
