This is an exciting opportunity to join us to celebrate the solar eclipse on 12 August 2026 from 6pm.

The event will start with an introduction to solar physics and eclipses by RAL Space’s Professor Richard Harrison, a world-leading expert in solar physics who has played a key role in many solar missions, followed by a live link to our friends from the British Antarctic Survey on the Royal Research Ship (RRS) Sir David Attenborough, where they will experience totality.

The Sun is so familiar to us all, but in this event you will see and hear about space and ground based observations that reveal the dramatic and complex nature of our local star. Richard’s presentation will describe how space and ground‑based observations are revealing the dramatic nature of our Sun, and walk us through the path and timing of the Moon’s shadow – including what we can expect to see on the evening itself. One thing is for sure; an eclipse is not just for the scientists, it is one of nature’s most incredible shows that we can all enjoy.

At the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, in Oxfordshire, we will experience over 90% totality – but we are incredibly excited to be working with the British Antarctic Survey to link live to the RRS Sir David Attenborough, the floating laboratory ship which will be in the waters around Greenland, in the path of the eclipse. Not only will everyone be able to experience the eclipse itself, but we’ll discover what it’s like doing science on the ocean!