Solar Eclipse 2026
On 12th August the Bristol Astronomical Society in conjunction with the “Friends of the Downs and Avon Gorge” (FODAG) and “We The Curious” will be holding a safe viewing session at the Seawalls viewing area overlooking the spectacular Avon Gorge and Clifton Suspension Bridge.
How much will it cost to attend?
This event is free to attend.
Where is the event?
The viewing session will take place at the The Downs Sea Walls Viewpoint, Clifton, BS9 1PG.
What are we likely to see?
With a maximum of 93% coverage of the sun from Bristol, this is set to be a spectacular event. However, as always, the UK is very weather dependent!
We will have a selection of specialist solar viewing telescopes allowing you to observe as the Moon slowly moves across the disc of the Sun. There will also be free cardboard “observing glasses” for people attending, courtesy of Go Stargazing.
Timings
BAS members will be there from 5pm. The eclipse begins 6.17pm with the eclipse maximum occurring at 7.13pm
More information
You may be interested to know about the launch of a new website dedicated to promoting eclipse observing across the UK: https://ukeclipse.com
Created in collaboration between Go Stargazing and First Light Optics, the UK Eclipse website has been developed as a resource for the entire astronomy community. Its initial focus is the partial solar eclipse taking place on 12 August, helping the public learn about the event, understand how to observe it safely, and discover opportunities to view it with local astronomy groups and organisations.
Our eclipse event is now featuring on Go Stargazing:
https://gostargazing.co.uk/events/see-the-partial-eclipse-at-sea-walls-viewpoint/
And UK Eclipse:
https://ukeclipse.com/events/see-the-partial-eclipse-at-sea-walls-viewpoint/
Viewing safety
Following the problems seen during the 2017 and 2024 eclipses in the United States, where counterfeit and non-compliant eclipse glasses were widely sold online, there is a growing need for clear guidance on safe solar viewing and trusted suppliers.
To help address this, the UK Eclipse website includes a UK Safe Solar Eclipse Glasses Sellers List. The aim is to provide a central resource where members of the public can identify suppliers offering ISO-compliant eclipse glasses from established and reputable manufacturers.