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Learning English from the News

Upper intermediate level

Europe's first solar eclipse since 1999

Episode 260812 / 12 Aug 2026

(Photo via Getty Images)

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The story

Many parts of Europe will experience a solar eclipse on Wednesday evening. A solar eclipse is when the Moon blocks the light from the Sun. It will be the first in Europe since 1999.

Total eclipses are rare events but in the next few years, there will be a few. Following this summer's eclipse there will be a total eclipse in Egypt next August, and a third in Australia and New Zealand in July 2028.

Looking directly at the Sun can damage your eyes, even during an eclipse. You can wear special eclipse glasses which block out most of the light so you can look at the Sun safely.

News headlines 

A Golden Age Of Total Solar Eclipses Begins Tomorrow 
Forbes

People flocking to Spain to view solar eclipse could spark more ‘devastating’ wildfires
The Guardian 

'Knock-off' eclipse glasses could cause blindness, experts warn before 'significant' solar event
LBC

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Key words and phrases

golden age
a particularly good or successful period of time

  • Scientists say we are in a golden age for cancer treatment. New medicines are being discovered all the time.

flock
travel in large numbers to a place

  • Crowds flocked to the town centre to watch the parade.

knock-off
fake

  • My friend bought some knock-off t-shirts online, but when they arrived they were terrible quality.

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Learning English from the News