Look Up,
Sussex.
One extraordinary evening. A dramatic partial solar eclipse over Sussex, followed after dark by the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. If the skies stay clear, Wednesday could become one of the most memorable skywatching nights of 2026.
Two Sky Events. One Remarkable Night.
Wednesday 12 August 2026 gives skywatchers across Sussex an unusual opportunity. During the evening, the Moon will move across part of the Sun as seen from southern England, creating a partial solar eclipse.
Then the Sun disappears below the horizon, the sky darkens and attention turns from west to the entire night sky as the annual Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak overnight into Thursday 13 August.
From Brighton and Hove to Lewes, the South Downs, Eastbourne and West Sussex, this guide explains what is happening, how to watch safely and where to find some of Sussex's best dark-sky locations.
The Partial Solar Eclipse
Sussex is not inside the path of totality, so the Sun will not disappear completely. Instead, observers in Sussex will see a substantial partial eclipse as the Moon passes across the solar disc.
Because the event takes place during the evening when the Sun is already moving lower towards the western horizon, the combination of low sunlight and the eclipse could create an especially unusual atmosphere.
Exact contact times and eclipse magnitude vary slightly according to your precise position in Sussex, so check an astronomical eclipse calculator for your location before travelling.
The Perseid Meteor Shower
Don't pack up when the eclipse is over.
The second show begins after darkness falls.
The Perseids are one of the best-known meteor showers of the year. They occur as Earth travels through debris associated with Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle.
Tiny particles enter Earth's atmosphere at enormous speed, producing bright streaks of light that we see as meteors or "shooting stars".
The 2026 shower peaks around the night of 12 to 13 August, making Wednesday night particularly interesting for Sussex skywatchers.
Never Look Directly at the Sun
A partial eclipse is not safe to view with unprotected eyes. Even when much of the Sun is hidden by the Moon, the visible portion remains bright enough to cause serious eye damage.
Use genuine solar eclipse glasses/viewers designed for direct solar viewing and compliant with the relevant ISO 12312-2 standard.
Ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking directly at the Sun.
Do not look through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless an appropriate solar filter is securely fitted to the front of the equipment.
No eclipse glasses? A correctly made pinhole projector allows you to observe a projected image of the Sun without looking directly at it.
Sussex Will Not Go Completely Dark
This is an important distinction. Totality will occur elsewhere along the eclipse path, but Sussex will experience a partial eclipse.
That does not make it uninteresting. The shape of the Sun will visibly change through approved solar viewers and, depending on weather conditions and the depth of the eclipse at your location, the surrounding light may take on an unusual character.
Then the eclipse ends, sunset follows, and Sussex enters the second half of the experience.
Best Stargazing Locations in Sussex
The South Downs National Park is an International Dark Sky Reserve, giving Sussex access to some exceptional places for observing the night sky. Always check access, parking and closing arrangements before travelling, especially late at night.
Devil's Dyke
Near BrightonOne of the most convenient elevated locations for people travelling from Brighton and Hove, with wide views across the South Downs. Devil's Dyke is recognised as a Dark Sky Discovery Site.
South Downs stargazing information →Ditchling Beacon
Mid SussexHigh above the surrounding landscape with extensive views. Ditchling Beacon is another official Dark Sky Discovery Site and a natural choice for skywatchers around Brighton, Hassocks, Hurstpierpoint and Lewes.
Official site information →Birling Gap
East SussexThe open coast near the Seven Sisters gives visitors an enormous sense of sky. Away from large urban centres, it can provide a memorable setting for night-sky observing when conditions are suitable.
Official site information →Bignor Hill
West SussexFor serious dark-sky viewing, Bignor Hill deserves attention. The National Park highlights the area among the darker locations within the reserve, making it particularly interesting for meteor watching.
Explore South Downs Dark Skies →Iping Common
West SussexA recognised Dark Sky Discovery Site near Midhurst and a useful option for observers in western parts of Sussex looking to escape urban light.
Dark Sky Discovery Sites →Your Local Dark Spot
Across SussexYou do not necessarily need to travel far. A safe, legal location away from street lighting with a large unobstructed view of the sky can provide a good Perseid experience.
For the eclipse, prioritise a safe location with a clear view towards the evening Sun. For meteors, darkness and a wide view of the sky matter more.
The Best Eclipse Spot May Not Be the Best Meteor Spot
For the eclipse you need a safe, unobstructed view towards the evening Sun, which will be relatively low in the western part of the sky.
For the Perseids, you want something different: darkness, minimal artificial lighting and as much open sky as possible.
If you plan to watch both events from one location, choose carefully and check parking and public access before setting out.
Your Wednesday Skywatching Plan
Wednesday Afternoon
Check the latest Sussex weather forecast, cloud cover and access information for your chosen viewing location.
Arrive Early
Get into position well before the eclipse. Park legally, identify a safe viewing area and have your certified eclipse viewers ready before looking towards the Sun.
Watch the Partial Eclipse
Observe only through safe solar viewing equipment. The exact timing varies slightly across Sussex, so check precise local circumstances before you leave home.
Sunset
The solar show ends. Put the eclipse glasses away, allow darkness to build and prepare for the second event.
Late Evening
Meteors may already be visible. Find a comfortable position, put the phone away and allow your eyes to adapt to darkness.
After Midnight → Before Dawn
Stay patient. The late-night and pre-dawn hours are generally among the most rewarding periods for Perseid observing around the peak.
How to See More Shooting Stars
Go Dark
Move away from bright street lights and illuminated buildings.
Forget the Telescope
Meteors can appear across a huge area of sky. Your eyes are the best tool.
Give Your Eyes Time
Allow roughly 20 minutes for your eyes to become accustomed to the darkness.
Look Up, Not at Your Phone
Bright screens reduce your night vision. Keep screen use to a minimum.
Get Comfortable
Bring a reclining chair or blanket so you can watch a large area of sky comfortably.
Be Patient
Meteor activity comes in bursts. Give yourself at least 30 to 60 minutes.
Don't Stare at One Tiny Part of the Sky
The Perseids appear to radiate from the direction of the constellation Perseus, which gives the shower its name.
But you do not need to find Perseus to enjoy the shower. Perseid meteors can streak across many different parts of the sky. Find the darkest broad area available, get comfortable and take in as much sky as possible.
Photographing the Eclipse
Solar photography requires specialist protection. A suitable solar filter must be fitted correctly to the front of the camera or telescope during the partial phases.
Never use the camera viewfinder or optical equipment to look at the Sun without proper solar protection.
Photographing the Perseids
A tripod, wide-angle lens, manual focus and longer exposures can help capture meteors against the Sussex landscape.
Frame a large section of sky rather than chasing individual meteors. They arrive without warning.
Make It a Sussex Night They Remember
An eclipse followed by a meteor shower can be a brilliant introduction to astronomy for children, but solar viewing requires close adult supervision.
Make sure eclipse glasses fit correctly and remain in place whenever a child looks towards the Sun. A pinhole projection activity can also be a fun indirect way to experience the eclipse.
For the meteor shower, bring warm layers, water, snacks, a blanket and a torch. Know your route back before it becomes dark.
Protect the Darkness
Dark skies are valuable for people and wildlife. Keep unnecessary lighting to a minimum, avoid disturbing animals and respect the landscape around you.
Leave No Trace
Take everything home with you. Do not block gates or driveways, park on dangerous verges or enter private or closed land simply to find a better view.
What If Sussex Is Cloudy?
British weather always gets the final vote.
Check the latest local forecast and cloud cover on Wednesday before travelling. Conditions can differ significantly between the Sussex coast and the South Downs, so a cloudy view in one town does not necessarily mean conditions are identical across the county.
Never take risks on the road trying to chase a break in the clouds.
Sussex Eclipse & Perseids FAQ
Is the 12 August 2026 eclipse total in Sussex?
No. Sussex is outside the path of totality. Observers in Sussex will see a partial solar eclipse.
Can I watch the eclipse through sunglasses?
No. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe for direct solar viewing. Use proper eclipse viewers designed for direct observation of the Sun.
Can I use binoculars to watch the eclipse?
Never point binoculars, telescopes or cameras at the Sun unless appropriate specialist solar filters are securely fitted to the front of the equipment.
When does the Perseid meteor shower peak in 2026?
The Perseids reach their peak around the night of 12 to 13 August 2026, making Wednesday night into Thursday morning a key observing period.
Do I need a telescope to see the Perseids?
No. Meteors cover large areas of sky, so naked-eye observation from a dark location is usually the best approach.
Can I see the Perseids from Brighton?
Bright meteors may be visible from Brighton, but city light pollution can hide fainter meteors. Darker locations away from urban lighting should provide a better experience if conditions are clear.
Where can I watch near Brighton?
Devil's Dyke and Ditchling Beacon are official Dark Sky Discovery Sites within the South Downs and are among the better-known options near Brighton. Check current access and parking arrangements before travelling.
Will I definitely see lots of shooting stars?
No meteor count is guaranteed. What you actually see depends on cloud, light pollution, your location, the time you observe and natural variations in meteor activity.
What should I bring?
Proper eclipse viewers for the solar event, warm layers, water, a blanket or reclining chair, a torch and plenty of patience.
Useful Official & Astronomy Resources
For final timings, weather conditions and access information, always check current information before travelling.
Royal Museums Greenwich – Astronomy Highlights 2026