91% Partial Solar Eclipse

As you will have been aware from the newsletter and monthly meetings, we had identified a suitable location to view this event. We now have the approval from the Conservators to set-up our telescopes on Therfield Heath.

Please note we are about 80m to the west of the Tumuli (please avoid these historic sites). You will note the two car parks (large and small). Please note the shorter distance and climb from the small car park.

Mike Eltringham has done a great job of putting together a guidance document for members, which is published in our July newsletter - please read it. Our main concern is the dry nature of the heath and potential fire risk, it might of course rain in the days before the eclipse!

Partial Eclipse, 12 Aug 2026 – location of Sun and Moon (Norman Gray).

First contact 18:17, 91% at 19:07, final contact 20:07, Sunset 20:27 (see annotated image above).

Members of the committee will be on-site from about 14:00 onwards at the location marked on the map. We will have several telescopes in operation some may be available for public use but our main effort will be trying to record the event.

Please feel free to bring your solar scope if you have one but please follow Mike's guidance given in the July newsletter (absolutely no classical eyepiece projection). We will be distributing safety solar spectacles at the event to members and the public, on a first come first serve basis. Please come and enjoy this event as the next total eclipse in the UK will be 29th September 2090!