Partial Solar Eclipse – 12 August 2026
Viewing from Calanais Standing Stones
On Wednesday, 12 August 2026, the UK will be treated to a spectacular deep partial solar eclipse, with the Moon passing between the Earth and the Sun and covering a significant portion of the Sun’s disc.
From the UK, the eclipse will appear as through the Moon is taking a bite out of the Sun. At its maximum, a remarkable 96% of the Sun may be obscured from Calanais, creating a rare and unforgettable sight.
The eclipse is particularly special because it will take place close to sunset, with the Sun sitting low on the western-northern horizon. This makes this a wonderful opportunity to experience another memorable celestial event from the ancient landscape of Calanais.
And the spectacle doesn’t end there. Just a few hours later, the Perseid Meteor Shower reaches its peak, with dark, moonless skies providing excellent conditions for meteor watching.
How to View the Eclipse
During the eclipse, the Moon will appear to move across the face of the Sun from right to left, forming a distinctive crescent shape at maximum eclipse.
Protect Your Eyes – Never look at the sun without proper eye protection.
To safely observe eclipse, you must use ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses or solar viewing equipment. Ordinary sunglasses, cameras, binoculars and telescopes without appropriate solar filers are not safe for viewing the sun.
Because the eclipse takes place close to sunset, the Sun will be very low on the horizon. For the best possible view, find a location with an unobstructed view towards the west-northwest. Think of it much like watching sunset – only with an extraordinary celestial event taking place above the horizon.
The Hebridean Weather…
Of course, there is one thing we can never guarantee at Calanais: the weather!
A Hebridean summer can bring sunshine, cloud, wind and rain – sometimes all in the same afternoon. If you are planning to join us at Calanais, please come prepared for all conditions and dress appropriately for spending time outdoors.
The eclipse will last over a period of time, giving you a reasonable window of opportunity to catch a glimpse should the clouds come and go.
We’ll be keeping everything crossed for clear skies!
Look Out for the Perseids?
Once the eclipse has passed, there’s another celestial treat to look forward to.
The Perseid Meteor Shower reaches its peak on the same day as the eclipse, providing an exciting finale to an already extraordinary evening.
With the Moon absent from the night sky, conditions should be particularly favourable for meteor watching. As darkness falls, look upwards and you may be rewarded with bright streaks of light from one of the year’s best-known meteor showers.
Observe the Eclipse from Calanais
If you are hoping to experience the eclipse from the Calanais Standing Stones, we ask visitors to please park in the Visitor Centre car park and walk up via the Calanais Visitor Centre path.
For the comfort and convenience of those attending, the external toilet facilities will remain open until 9PM.
Whether the skies are perfectly clear or typically Hebridean, we hope you’ll join us for this special moment.
The Calanais Standing Stones have witnessed thousands of years of changing skies, seasons and celestial events. On 12 August 2026, you can become part of that continuing story.
Keep your fingers crossed for clear skies – enjoy this rare glimpse of the cosmos from Calanais.
