Partial Solar Eclipse - 12 August 2026
See a spectacular eclipse this summer!
ECLIPSE GLASSES SOLD OUT!!!
Attended our eclipse event? Send your photos to [email protected] and we'll add the best ones to our monthly newsletter.
Eclipse Observer Certificate for Children
Parents can download a printable Certificate of Achievement for children who watched the eclipse.
2026 Partial Solar Eclipse
Countdown Clock
| Date: | Wednesday, 12 August 2026 |
| Time: | 18:00 – 20:00 |
| Location: | Ryetop Park, Taverners Road, Rainham, Kent, ME8 9AQ |
| Tickets: | EVENT FULL Email: [email protected] Eclipse glasses are SOLD OUT |
General Information
ECLIPSE GLASSES SOLD OUT!!!
Get ready for an amazing celestial show!
Experience the wonder of a partial solar eclipse this summer.
Witness one of nature's most spectacular events from here in Kent.
A partial solar eclipse happens when the Sun, Moon, and Earth line up perfectly in space. A portion of the Sun's disc will be covered by the Moon.
During this eclipse, you'll be able to watch the Moon slowly take a "bite" out of the Sun between 18:18 and 20:07. The maximum effect will be seen at 19:14.
- Observe the #1 astronomical event of the year.
- Witness the best solar eclipse visible from Kent since 1999.
- Feel the connection between the Earth, Moon, and Sun.
- See the Sun like you've never seen it before.
- Learn some science and have fun!
We'll get an excellent view from the park – as long as the sky is clear!
Join us for the whole evening, or arrive at 19:00 to catch the eclipse at its peak.
For those planning to watch the whole eclipse, please bring a chair or picnic blanket if you'd like to sit comfortably, as seating in the park is very limited.
Please bear in mind that we are a very small amateur astronomy club staffed by volunteers. Thank you!
Enjoy the Eclipse Safely
We'll have everything you need to enjoy the partial solar eclipse safely, including:
- Certified eclipse glasses (SOLD OUT) for direct viewing of the Sun.
- A pinhole projector to see the Sun's image safely.
- A powerful solar-filtered telescope for a close-up view of the eclipse.
- The chance to photograph the eclipse using our specialist equipment.
Never look directly at the Sun without approved solar viewing equipment.
Please don't try to use telescopes, binoculars, or cameras to view the Sun unless they are fitted with certified solar filters and you're confident you know how to use them safely.
Eclipse Glasses
ECLIPSE GLASSES SOLD OUT!!!
We have a very limited supply of eclipse glasses available for you to purchase for £3.00 per pair. Cash only, please.
Eclipse glasses aren't just for eclipses; they can be used throughout the year to safely observe the Sun. They're perfect for watching sunrises and sunsets, and for viewing large sunspots.
Eclipse glasses are like gold dust right now!
We have received lots of enquiries about eclipse glasses. We have roughly 90 pairs and will sell them on a first come, first served basis, starting from 6 PM on Wednesday.
ECLIPSE GLASSES ARE NOW SOLD OUT!!!
Ideally glasses would be one each, but we may have to ask family groups to share, just to make sure everyone is able to watch the eclipse.
While eclipse glasses are one of the best ways to see the eclipse, we'll also have telescopes and pinhole projectors for you to use. plus, we have several eclipse viewers which can be shared.
More About the 2026 Eclipse
These websites provide further information about the eclipse on 12 August 2026:
- Sky at Night Magazine - Aug 12, 2026 Solar Eclipse – UK Guide
How to see the partial solar eclipse over the UK and Ireland on 12 August 2026. - Time And Date - 12 August 2026 - Solar Eclipse - Kent, UK
Detailed timings, coverage, and animations. - Sky at Night Magazine - Path map, key locations and timings
How to see this summer's biggest celestial event from Europe and the UK.
(See if you can spot our photo of the March 2025 solar eclipse)
The Weather
We need the sky to be clear in the west after 18:00. We're hoping for a sunny evening without a cloud in sight. Unfortunately, if it's cloudy or rainy, the event will not be able to go ahead.
Please check back for updates before setting out.
Weather Update
The weather is looking very good! We will be in the park at 6 PM.
Information for Parents
Children are very welcome at our eclipse event, but they must be closely supervised by an adult at all times.
We have set the recommended minimum age at 8 years old. Young children must understand the dangers of looking at the Sun and be able to follow the safety instructions when using eclipse glasses and other solar viewing devices.
Before using eclipse glasses, children will be shown how to use them safely.
All visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult.
Visiting Us
How to Find Us
Meet us in Ryetop Park, Rainham, also known as Norreys Park.
Address: Ryetop Playing Fields, Taverners Road, Rainham, ME8 9AQ
Map Links: Google Maps | Apple Maps | Bing Maps | OpenStreetMap
Park Facilities
Seating is limited to two park benches. Bring a beach chair or picnic blanket if you'd like to watch the eclipse in comfort.
Self-catering event! The eclipse is best enjoyed with drinks and snacks. A newsagents in Norreys Road is open until 18:30. Londis in Maidstone Road is open until 22:00.
Please help us keep the park clean and free of litter.
There are no toilet facilities in the park.
Parking Information
- Please arrive on foot if this is possible.
- Extremely limited street parking is available nearby.
- Please avoid parking in Beacon Close – the road is narrow, and parking is restricted (double-yellow lines) near the park entrance.
Thank you for helping us keep the area safe and accessible for everyone.
Safety Information
Viewing the Sun can be very dangerous. NEVER look at the Sun without special eye protection.
Looking directly at the Sun during an eclipse or at any other time can cause permanent eye damage.
Warning!
Looking at the Sun can cause serious eye damage or blindness.
The following methods are NOT safe:
- The naked eye
- Sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Smoked glass
- Cameras
- Telescopes
Safe ways to view the Sun:
- ISO-certified eclipse glasses from a reputable manufacturer
- Special solar filters and solar film for optical devices
- Pinhole cameras and other projection methods
Your eyesight is priceless. Do NOT take any risks.
NEVER allow children to view the Sun on their own.
Using Eclipse Glasses Safely
ECLIPSE GLASSES SOLD OUT!!!
Our astronomy group has a very limited supply of US-made eclipse glasses available to buy for £3.00 per pair.
- Read the safety information before using them for the first time.
- Retain the safety information for future reference.
- Never allow young children to use eclipse glasses by themselves.
Only use eclipse glasses from a reputable manufacturer and trusted supplier.
Safety Advice Online
Questions & Feedback
We're happy to answer any questions you have about this event or our astronomy club.
Email us at [email protected]
Online Resources
Learn more about eclipses!
For Children
We found these websites and fun activities to get youngsters excited about eclipses and space science in general:
- CBBC - When and how to see the solar eclipse in August 2026
https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/articles/c4gd8l0m7nwo - NASA Space Place - Explore Earth and Space!
https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/eclipses/en/ - NASA - Make a Pinhole Projector
https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/12638
For Astronomy Students
For those who want to explore the science in more detail, these websites provide in-depth technical information and resources to take your astronomy knowledge to the next level:
- NASA: Solar Physics Group
https://solarscience.msfc.nasa.gov/ - NASA: Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) - Imaging the Sun
https://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/data/ - The National Solar Observatory (NSO)
https://nso.edu/ - Solar Monitor - Up-to-update IMages of the Sun
https://solarmonitor.org/ - Met Office - Space Weather & Auroras
https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/learn-about/space-weather
Promo Poster
Contact Details
This is a free event organised by TRAC Operations Ltd for the benefit of the local community.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07999 356 890