The Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) is hosting a Partial Solar Eclipse Family Fun Day on Wednesday, 12th August 2026. The special event celebrates a historic celestial spectacle where the Moon will cover approximately 94% of the Sun over Armagh. It marks the deepest partial eclipse visible from the region since 1999, and a similar event will not occur again until 2090. The event programme runs all day from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
- 10:00 am: Festival opens with indoor and outdoor activities.
- 10:30 am – 4:00 pm: Immersive Fulldome Show Programme inside the planetarium theatre.
- 5:00 pm: Exclusive Observatory Tours (requires booking, limited availability).
- 6:10 pm: Eclipse Begins as the moon starts to pass in front of the sun.
- 7:08 pm: Maximum Eclipse Peak, reducing the sun to a thin sliver of light.
- 8:00 pm: Eclipse ends and the programme concludes.
Safe Solar Viewing: Planetarium staff will be stationed in the outdoor Astropark with professional telescopes and approved solar filters to help visitors view the eclipse safely. Interactive space-themed science demonstrations and workshops led by the education team. There will be rocket launching: family workshops to build, test, and blast off your own model rockets.There is an open exploration exhibition area where children can interact with space displays and dress up like astronauts. Festive additions including colourful face painting, creative crafts, and local food stalls.
