# Event Details - **Event Name**: Ticket Claim for Stargazing at RAL: Solar Eclipse Special - **Event Start and End Date**: Wed, 12 Aug, 2026 at 05:45 pm – Wed, 12 Aug, 2026 at 08:30 pm - **Event Description**: This page is for those who have been allocated tickets via our lottery draw to claim their tickets within 24 hours of allocation.About this EventTo enter the lottery draw for tickets, visit: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/SummerStargazing2026-lottery/This is an exciting opportunity to join us to watch the solar eclipse (partial in the UK) on 12 August 2026 from 17:45. This is not a drop in event, you will need to arrive by the start time to ensure entry.We will begin with an introduction to the eclipse and solar physics from RAL Space's Professor Richard Harrison, a leading expert in the field who has played a key role in many solar missions:Solar Secrets, Science and ShadowsThe Sun is so familiar to us all, but in this event you will see and hear about space and ground based observations that reveal the dramatic and complex nature of our local star. Strange as it might seem, many solar scientists travel great distances to set up instruments in the path of totality; the one place where the Sun is not visible. Valuable observations can be made that cannot be readily made by other means. In addition, of course, an eclipse allows us all to see the beautiful solar corona, the Sun's outer atmosphere. Richard's presentation will also review the path and timing of the Moon's shadow on Earth, and up to date space based images will be used to explain what we might see. One thing is for sure; an eclipse is not just for the scientists, it is one of nature's most incredible shows that we can all enjoy.The EventAt the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, in Oxfordshire, we will experience over 90% totality - but we are incredibly excited to be working with the British Antarctic Survey to link live to the Royal Research Ship (RRS) Sir David Attenborough, the floating laboratory ship which will be in the waters around Greenland, in the path of the eclipse. Not only will everyone be able to experience the eclipse itself, but we'll also be able to discover what it's like doing science on the ocean!After the talk, we will head outside to watch the eclipse safely ourselves either through a solar telescope, or by using solar viewing glasses (a pair of these will be provided to all attendees). There will be a range of exciting hands on sun and space activities and demonstrations for all the family to enjoy, including from our friends at Diamong Light Source. This will take place in our Visitor Centre as well - so even if the weather doesn't cooperate there will still be plenty to do!Places are limited and we expect demand to be high, so tickets will be allocated by lottery. You can enter the lottery here: for a chance to win tickets for this event - this will open by 17:00 on Monday 20 July and close at 23:59 on Sunday 26 July. Everyone entering the lottery will be notified by midday (12:00) on Monday 27 July, and then those with tickets will have until midday (12:00) on Tuesday 28 July to claim their tickets on this page. After this time, tickets will be released to the next person on the waiting list.We will also be streaming the fascinating talk and live link to the RRS Sir David Attenborough online via Zoom webinar, and hope everyone who cannot make it to the lab will be able to join us for that! You can reserve tickets for this online event here: https://ONLINE-summer_stargazing.eventbrite.co.ukWe will also be holding a series of pre-eclipse online talks in the run up to our event on 12 August. If you would like to join us, the details are below:Viewing the Sun Safely with Simon Blackshaw (RAL Space), ages 5+3 August 18:00 - 18:30https://solar_eclipse_safety.eventbrite.co.ukSolar Science and Space Weather with David Barnes (RAL Space), suitable for ages 12+6 August 19:00 - 19:30https://space-weather.eventbrite.co.ukSolar Orbiter with Martin Caldwell (RAL Space), ages 12+10 August 19:00 - 19:30https://SolarOrbiter.eventbrite.co.uk - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/didcot/ticket-claim-for-stargazing-at-ral-solar-eclipse-special/100001990560908261 - **Event Categories**: virtual, science-fair, workshops, webinar - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 - **Event Highlights**: - Age Limit: under_18_with_guardian - door_time: 2026-08-12T16:30:00Z - Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes - Location: STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory - Languages: English ## Ticket Details ## Event venue details - **city**: Didcot - **state**: NI - **country**: United Kingdom - **location**: STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory - **lat**: 51.5725756 - **long**: -1.3159229000000323 - **full address**: STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus, Didcot, United Kingdom ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: Ticket Claim for Stargazing at RAL: Solar Eclipse Special - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events9/banners/f7dce79e746513b05331fa043ccadce31cd3568e0bec8bb123b605bf49ce8e7b-rimg-w1200-h600-dc2f1103-gmir.jpg?v=1784938565 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is Ticket Claim for Stargazing at RAL: Solar Eclipse Special being held? - **A:** Ticket Claim for Stargazing at RAL: Solar Eclipse Special takes place on Wed, 12 Aug, 2026 at 05:45 pm to Wed, 12 Aug, 2026 at 08:30 pm at STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus, Didcot, United Kingdom. - **Q**: Who is organizing Ticket Claim for Stargazing at RAL: Solar Eclipse Special? - **A:** Ticket Claim for Stargazing at RAL: Solar Eclipse Special is organized by STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL). - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** Ticket Claim for Stargazing at RAL: Solar Eclipse Special is ideal for curious learners, students, and skill-builders looking to gain hands-on knowledge and practical expertise in a focused, interactive setting. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Didcot, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. If Ticket Claim for Stargazing at RAL: Solar Eclipse Special sounds like your kind of event, don't wait - spots fill up fast. ## Structured Data (JSON-LD) ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Event", "name": "Ticket Claim for Stargazing at RAL: Solar Eclipse Special", "image": "https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events9/banners/f7dce79e746513b05331fa043ccadce31cd3568e0bec8bb123b605bf49ce8e7b-rimg-w1200-h600-dc2f1103-gmir.jpg?v=1784938565", "startDate": "2026-08-12", "endDate": "2026-08-12", "url": "https://allevents.in/didcot/ticket-claim-for-stargazing-at-ral-solar-eclipse-special/100001990560908261", "location": { "@type": "Place", "name": "STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "Harwell Campus", "postalCode": "OX11 0QX", "addressLocality": "Didcot", "addressRegion": "NI", "addressCountry": "GB" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": "51.5725756", "longitude": "-1.3159229000000323" } }, "eventAttendanceMode": "https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode", "description": "This page is for those who have been allocated tickets via our lottery draw to claim their tickets within 24 hours of allocation.", "organizer": [ { "@type": "Organization", "name": "STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL)", "url": "https://allevents.in/org/stfc-rutherford-appleton-laboratory-ral/17592298", "description": "Operated by STFC and located on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory provides a thriving and collaborative environment for research in:\r\n\r\nparticle physics\r\nspace science\r\nmaterials\r\nastronomy\r\nphoton science\r\ncomputational and e-science\r\nbiology\r\nbiomedicine\r\nchemistry\r\n\r\nApproximately 1,200 staff at RAL support the work of more than 10,000 scientists and engineers, chiefly from the university research community. RAL’s pioneering research in areas such as energy, security, healthcare and the environment addresses important challenges facing society." } ] } ] ```