Solar Eclipse Turns UK Sky Dark As Military Helicopter Takes Flight

A military helicopter operated by 28 Squadron at Royal Air Force Benson departs for a training tasking as the Moon moves across the Sun during the August 12, 2026 solar eclipse.

Evening light gives way to atmospheric twilight over the station. Within minutes, the bright Oxfordshire skies soften into a low-level glow, casting deep shadows across RAF Benson.

The eclipse is the first total solar eclipse visible in mainland Europe since 1999. Peak visibility crosses Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain, while the United Kingdom, most of Europe, northern North America and West Africa experience a partial solar eclipse.

The British Isles will not experience another total solar eclipse until September 23, 2090.

RAF Benson in South Oxfordshire operates under the Wittering Model. The Airbase works to No2 Group (RAF), while the AirWing, under Joint Aviation Command (Army), is responsible for operational and training outputs.

RAF Benson provides rapid support for UK military operations worldwide and is home to resident units delivering critical defence support. The station also hosts the National Police Air Service and Thames Valley Air Ambulance, which operate 24 hours a day.