Eclipse 2017: When is the next total solar eclipse in the UK? Time and date revealed

More than 12 million people sat in the path of totality of the August 21 solar eclipse, as it passed from the West Coast to the East Coast of the United States.

The spectacular miracle of nature saw the moon cross paths with the sun, blocking out sunlight and darkening the skies for minutes at a time.

The breathtaking event was the first time in nearly 100 years for the US, and for many, it was a once-in-alive-time experience.

Parts of the eclipse were also visible in the UK, though only about three per cent of the moon bit in to the sun over the British Isles.

When is the next solar eclipse in the UK?

British stargazers and eclipse hunters have been waiting since August 1999 for the spectacular total solar eclipse.

They are now however disappointed to find out that they will have to wait another seven years before the moon covers the sun over the US again on April 8, 2024.

The news is even more dire for the UK which will have to wait seven decades, till a total ellipse occurs in September 2090.

There are however several total and partial eclipses around the word, lined up over the next few years.

A total eclipse is en route to take place on July 2 2019, when it passes over the central parts of Chile and Argentina in South America.

An annular eclipse – one that happens when the moon takes up the centre of the sun – will also appear over Saudi Arabia, the southern tip of India, Malaysia and Indonesia on December 26, 2019.

What causes a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse is one of the most spectacular astronomical events that occurs when the moon passes in front of the sun.

According to : “Eclipses occur due to the special coincidence of the moon and the Sun being the same angular size. 

“The Sun is 400 times wider than the moon, but it is also 400 times farther away, so they coincidentally appear to be the same size in our sky. 

“This is what allows us the phenomenal beauty of the total solar eclipse.”

A similar event occurs when the Earth positions itself in-between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow over the moon in what is known as a lunar eclipse.

The next total lunar eclipse in parts of Europe, America and Asia is predicted to take place on January 31, 2018. Another one should appear again on July 27, 2018.