See the partial solar eclipse in Edinburgh
Wednesday 12th August 2026 from 18:00pm to 20:00pm
Edinburgh Playfair Observatory
Calton Hill, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH7 5AA
Join The Astronomical Society of Edinburgh on Calton Hill at the historic City Observatory for a spectacular evening of solar observing on Wednesday 12 August 2026.
As the Sun sets over Edinburgh, witness one of the most impressive astronomical events visible from the UK for many years: a partial solar eclipse with around 90% of the Sun covered as seen from Edinburgh. With the Sun low in the western sky, this promises to be a truly memorable spectacle—weather permitting.
Members of The Astronomical Society of Edinburgh will be on hand throughout the event to explain the science behind eclipses, answer questions, and help visitors safely enjoy the experience.
Solar viewing glasses will be available courtesy of Go Stargazing, allowing visitors to observe the eclipse safely. The Society will also have solar telescopes available, giving attendees the opportunity to explore the Sun in greater detail and observe features invisible to the naked eye.
The event takes place at the historic City Observatory on Calton Hill, the Society’s former home and now part of Collective, offering one of the most iconic settings in Scotland for observing the sky.
Please remember: never look directly at the Sun without appropriate solar viewing equipment.
Whether you are a seasoned observer or discovering astronomy for the first time, join us for an unforgettable evening beneath Edinburgh’s skies as the Moon takes a bite out of the Sun.
Event organiser

The Astronomical Society of Edinburgh is organising this event
Please contact The Astronomical Society of Edinburgh directly for more details regarding this event or, if appropriate, contact the event venue.
Email: [email protected]
Website: The Astronomical Society of Edinburgh
Twitter: @https://bsky.app/profile/astronomyedinburgh.bsky.social
Facebook: The Astronomical Society of Edinburgh
Event booking
For full details on how to attend this event, including how to book, please see the event's official website.
Visit event websiteEvent 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
Edinburgh Playfair Observatory is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to an urban location based on the latest data from the VIIRS satellite. For more advanced light pollution data, view this location on DarkSkySites.
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Semi-rural
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Dark site
The above demonstrates the estimated effect of light pollution - graphics created using Stellarium.
Forthcoming events
Below is a list of events at Edinburgh Playfair Observatory. View these events on our calendar, add them to your calendar or Google Calendar.