Hundreds gather for a solar eclipse of the heart with Science Oxford
Wednesday 12th August 2026
In a special evening to remember, hundreds of families came together to share the experience of one of the most significant solar eclipses visible from the UK in nearly three decades with Science Oxford.
With eclipse glasses provided by Science Oxford, children and adults from the local community enjoyed a rare opportunity to gather at Margaret Road Recreation Ground in Headington on Wednesday to see the Moon pass in front of the Sun. Obscuring around 90% of its surface at the eclipse’s peak, at around 7.13pm, it was the closest the UK has come to experiencing a total eclipse in almost 27 years.
There is real excitement. It’s delightful!
The Science Oxford team was on hand throughout the evening sharing 400 pairs of eclipse glasses alongside hands-on activities and demonstrations, from pin-hole cameras to colanders, to help families safely enjoy the spectacle and discover the science behind it.
Quarry and Risinghurst Councillor and Lord Mayor of Oxford, Chewe Munkonge joined in the fun and said, “It was fantastic to join our communities to experience this once or twice in a lifetime opportunity, and see families and children so excited. And, along with Science Oxford’s expert help, curious to learn more about science and space in the future.”
The evening was led by Science Oxford’s resident Space Science Specialist, Kat Kelly. “An eclipse is a dramatic sight when viewed safely so we are really pleased we could provide that opportunity for young people and their families in our region. Everyone was really excited. Curious children of all ages were super keen to discover more about the sun, moon and planets and we had hands on models and activities to demonstrate exactly why eclipses occur.
My favourite moment was when the skies darkened slightly. It gives an eerie atmosphere and makes you feel that we are on a big rock zooming through space. It’s understandable that throughout time, communities and cultures created all kinds of theories and stories as to what caused this exceptional event. Thanks to modern science we now know it is due to a perfect cosmic coincidence in size and distance between an important system that is the Earth, Moon and Sun.”
Francesca MacLennan, Director of Science Education and Engagement, summed up the event – “What an incredible evening watching the solar eclipse with hundreds of people at the Science Oxford Eclipse community event with our team and a special guest appearance from the Lord Mayor of Oxford. It was wonderful to see people of all ages gathered and marvelling at this special moment together. What a way to encourage the pursuit of science amongst the local community! It really was a joy to see and be a part of, and this sentiment was echoed by the many comments from those who joined us.”
Visitors were delighted about the clear skies and perfect viewing weather, with one local resident commenting “Wonderful! What a fantastic atmosphere!”
Martin Stott, a local photographer, said, “This is once in a generation experience. I have experienced this before, but here with Science Oxford there is a fabulous community spirit which I can’t recall previously. There is real excitement. It’s delightful!”
Children shared their own observations with the Science Oxford team, “The Moon goes in front of the Sun and then it gets really cool!” and “It looks like the Moon but orange and glowing!” “It looks kinda cool” and “5 Stars!”
Science Oxford offered local school children and community hubs free tickets and the use of eclipse glasses. Local charity, The Oxford Trust’s STEM education and engagement programmes are delivered by their Science Oxford team, and the event was made possible thanks to funding from the Trust and the support of Oxford City Council.
The eclipse event forms part of Science Oxford’s wider programme of activities designed to encourage the pursuit of science and inspire children and families to explore science through practical hands-on activities and experiences.
Families that would like to find out more about constellations, planets and astronomy, can visit the Science OxfordCentre. Summer events include Space-themed Holiday Clubs with rockets, planetarium shows, and even the chance to write a Space rap! From September, you can learn more about our Solar System at monthly Planetarium Shows on Saturdays 5 September, 3 October, a Sensory-Friendly Day, 7 November and 5 December.
Advance booking is recommended at scienceoxford.com.
Wonderful photos thanks to Ed Nix for Science Oxford.
“It looks kinda cool”
