Partial Eclipse celebrated at Eddington

Led by local resident Will Hay, the event brought neighbours together to safely observe the eclipse through a telescopic projection system. Over the course of the evening, attendees watched as the moon gradually moved across the sun, beginning its transit at 6.17pm and reaching its peak at 7.12pm when 90% of the sun was obscured, before moving clear shortly after 8pm.

The occasion held particular significance for Eddington. Named after Sir Arthur Eddington, the pioneering astrophysicist whose eclipse observations helped confirm Einstein’s theory of relativity, the neighbourhood has science and discovery woven into its identity. With the University of Cambridge’s Institute of Astronomy nearby and Eddington himself closely connected to the city, the event provided a fitting opportunity to celebrate both the area’s heritage and its future.

As residents, families, visitors and the local media gathered beneath the evening sky, the eclipse offered more than a chance to witness a rare celestial event. It created a moment for the community to come together, reflecting on the scientific legacy that inspired the neighbourhood while sharing in a sense of wonder and curiosity.

Following the Partial Eclipse, residents continued stargazing, as the Perseid Meteor showers took to the skies.