The South West is set to enjoy the best views anywhere in mainland Britain when the UK's most dramatic solar eclipse since 1999 takes place next week. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves directly between the Sun and the Earth, causing the Earth to pass through the Moon's shadow. There are usually between two and five solar eclipses every year, while a total solar eclipse occurs somewhere on Earth roughly every 18 months. The South West eclipse will begin shortly after 6.15pm on August 12, reaching maximum coverage at around 7.14pm before ending just after 8pm. South West eclipse timingsTimings vary slightly across the region, but people should be in position before 6pm.