27 Years In the Making:
See Edinburgh’s Spectacular Solar Eclipse from Camera Obscura
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is inviting visitors to experience one of the most remarkable astronomical events of a generation from its Rooftop Terrace on Wednesday 12 August 2026.
The partial solar eclipse will be the closest the British Isles have come to a total eclipse in almost 27 years. In Edinburgh, the Moon is expected to cover around 91% of the Sun, creating a dramatic crescent in the sky and a noticeable change in the evening light. The eclipse will begin at approximately 6.08pm, reach its maximum at 7.05pm and finish at around 8.00pm.
The partial solar eclipse will take place on Wednesday 12 August 2026. Approximate timings for Edinburgh are:
- Eclipse begins: 6.08pm
- Maximum eclipse: 7.05pm
- Eclipse ends: 8.00pm
The eclipse will be weather dependent.
Where to see the eclipse?
Perched high above the Royal Mile, beside Edinburgh Castle, Camera Obscura’s Rooftop Terrace offers panoramic views across the city and a clear outlook towards the western sky, where the eclipse will unfold close to sunset. Visitors will also be able to view the eclipse safely through the Camera Obscura itself, and guides will be detailing the event during demonstrations.
Specialist eclipse glasses will be available to purchase from the attraction’s shop, allowing visitors to observe the spectacle safely. Members of the Camera Obscura team will also be on hand throughout the evening to share information about the eclipse and explain how to view it responsibly.
Visitors must never look directly at the Sun without suitable protection. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe for eclipse viewing. Eclipse glasses should display the recognised ISO 12312-2 safety certification and must be worn whenever looking towards the Sun.
Andrew Johnson, General Manager at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, said:
“There can’t be many more memorable places to experience an eclipse than high above Edinburgh, with the city skyline around you.
“Our attraction takes its name from an invention that has been used to observe and understand light for centuries, so this extraordinary event feels like a perfect fit for us. We’re excited to help visitors enjoy the spectacle safely and learn a little more about the science behind it along the way.
“The eclipse will take place close to sunset, making our Rooftop Terrace a wonderful vantage point. We’re keeping everything crossed for clear Edinburgh skies!”
The Latin term camera obscura means “dark room”. Early versions of the device used a small opening to project an image of the outside world onto a surface inside a darkened space, a principle that has also been used throughout history to study solar eclipses without looking directly at the Sun.
The 12 August eclipse will be visible as a partial eclipse throughout the UK and Ireland, while parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain will experience a total solar eclipse. Weather conditions will affect visibility.
Access to the Rooftop Terrace and eclipse information from the Camera Obscura team will be included with standard attraction admission. Eclipse glasses will be available to purchase separately from the shop, subject to availability.