A Coordinated Hub Approach to Eclipse Outreach and Education in the UK

We will report on the implementation of the UKeclipse.com coordinated website initiative, highlighting successes, challenges and lessons for the future.

UK Eclipse (www.ukeclipse.com) is an initiative dedicated to inspiring public interest in astronomy through some of nature’s most spectacular events: solar and lunar eclipses.

Created in collaboration between Go Stargazing (www.gostargazing.co.uk) and First Light Optics (www.firstlightoptics.com), the website seeks to bring together outreach organisations, astronomy enthusiasts, educators and supporting partners across the UK to help more people safely experience eclipses for themselves.

The initial focus is the partial solar eclipse visible from the UK on 12 August 2026.  The aim is to help communities across the country make the most of this event by supporting public observing sessions, educational activities, and local eclipse events.

UK Eclipse exists to:

• Encourage astronomy outreach groups, observatories, schools, societies, and science organisations to run public eclipse events;
• Provide a central place where people can discover eclipse events happening near them;
• Share trusted guidance on how to observe eclipses safely;
• Promote accessible astronomy for beginners and families; and
• Celebrate future eclipses and other major astronomical events visible from the UK.

The site will feature practical observing advice and educational content developed with the support of experienced astronomy partners and eclipse observers.   The aim is to make eclipse watching safe, enjoyable, and accessible to everyone, whether completely new to astronomy or already an active observer.

A solar eclipse is one of the few astronomical events that can capture the attention of an entire country. By working together with outreach groups and astronomy organisations throughout the UK, we hope to use the 2026 eclipse as an opportunity to introduce more people to the night sky and encourage long-term interest in science and astronomy.