See the partial eclipse at Hengistbury Head
Wednesday 12th August 2026 from 18:00pm to 20:00pm
Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre
Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH6 4EN, South West
Join Wessex Astronomical Society and Newbury Astronomical Society for a deep partial solar eclipse watch at Hengistbury Head on the Dorset coast.
From this location, around 95% of the Sun will be obscured by the Moon at maximum eclipse, creating a dramatic and memorable celestial spectacle. Meet us at Hengistbury Head (What3Words: when.beyond.reject) to observe the event alongside fellow astronomy enthusiasts.
Please remember that safe solar viewing is essential. Even during a deep partial eclipse, the Sun remains bright enough to cause permanent eye damage without appropriate solar filters. Fingers crossed for clear skies!
Event organiser

Wessex Astronomical Society is organising this event
Please contact Wessex Astronomical Society directly for more details regarding this event or, if appropriate, contact the event venue.
Email: [email protected]
Website: Wessex Astronomical Society
Facebook: Wessex Astronomical Society
Event booking
Event darkness
The below chart shows if and when the skies will be at their darkest during this event. Moonlight is shown in light yellow and the Sun's twilight in light blue. Midnight on the date shown is shown as a white line with sunset to the left and sunrise the next morning to the right. A black background with stars shows the best times for stargazing.

Wed 12th Aug
Local light pollution
Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to a rural location based on the latest data from the VIIRS satellite. For more advanced light pollution data, view this location on DarkSkySites.
-
Urban
-
Suburban
-
Semi-rural
-
Rural
-
Dark site
The above demonstrates the estimated effect of light pollution - graphics created using Stellarium.
Forthcoming events
Below is a list of events at Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre. View these events on our calendar, add them to your calendar or Google Calendar.
Stay and gaze nearby
Stay at one of these stargazing-friendly accommodation providers.