Meet Techniquest: Our Solar Eclipse Glasses Partner in Wales
On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, people across Wales will have an opportunity to experience one of the most memorable astronomical events in years.
Cardiff will see a deep partial solar eclipse beginning at approximately 6:16 p.m. The eclipse will reach its maximum at around 7:13 p.m. before ending shortly after 8:00 p.m.
The Fin Whale Eclipse Project is delighted to be working with Techniquest, the much-loved science discovery centre in Cardiff Bay, to help people enjoy this extraordinary event safely.
Techniquest will have free solar eclipse viewing glasses available for collection from 2:00 p.m. on the day of the eclipse. Visitors are encouraged to collect their glasses, find a suitable location with an unobstructed view toward the west, and then return to Techniquest for a special evening celebration.
Introducing Techniquest
Located on the waterfront in Cardiff Bay, Techniquest has been bringing science to life for children, families, schools and curious adults for four decades.
The educational charity was founded in 1986 by Professor John Beetlestone and colleagues from Cardiff University. In 1995, Techniquest opened its current waterfront home, becoming the first purpose-built science centre of its kind in the United Kingdom.
In 2026, Techniquest is celebrating its 40th anniversary. During those four decades, more than seven million people have experienced its distinctive hands-on approach to science.
Rather than simply reading about scientific ideas, visitors are invited to experiment, explore, build, test and discover them for themselves.
More Than 100 Hands-On Experiences
Techniquest contains more than 100 interactive exhibits designed to make science, technology, engineering and mathematics enjoyable and accessible.
Its Science Capital area explores five major themes:
Space, the environment, chemistry, biomedical science and global issues.
Visitors can also rediscover some of Techniquest’s classic exhibits, including its popular water area, giant piano and plasma sphere.
Other experiences include live demonstrations in the Science Theatre, practical workshops in the KLA Lab, creative activities in the Create & Shape Zone and immersive presentations inside the centre’s 360-degree digital planetarium.
From young children encountering science for the first time to adults rediscovering their curiosity, Techniquest has something for every generation.
Taking Science Beyond the Building
Techniquest’s work extends well beyond its Cardiff Bay location.
It works closely with schools, teachers and community organizations throughout Wales, offering curriculum-linked workshops, digital learning resources, science shows and educational visits.
With support from the UK Space Agency, Techniquest has also taken a mobile planetarium into schools and communities across Cardiff, Newport and Swansea. These programmes help make inspiring science experiences available to children who might not otherwise be able to visit a major science centre.
This commitment to accessible education is one of the reasons Techniquest is such a natural partner for the Fin Whale Eclipse Project.
Science, Sustainability and Our Shared Planet
Techniquest is also working to reduce its environmental impact and encourage visitors to make more planet-friendly choices.
Its exhibits and educational programmes explore subjects including climate, water conservation, wildlife habitats, food systems and protecting pollinators. The centre has introduced solar panels, improved recycling and waste-reduction systems and begun measuring its carbon footprint.
This connection between science and environmental responsibility closely reflects the purpose of the Fin Whale Eclipse Project.
Our project uses the excitement surrounding the August 12 eclipse to promote safe solar viewing while raising awareness and support for fin whales, ocean habitats and marine conservation.
Whether we are looking upward toward the Sun or outward across the ocean, science helps us better understand—and protect—the natural world we share.
After Hours: Eclipsed
Once people have experienced the main eclipse spectacle, Techniquest will continue the celebration with After Hours: Eclipsed, a special adults-only evening on Wednesday, August 12.
Running from 7:30 p.m. until 11:00 p.m., the event will include astronomy talks by Cardiff University’s Professor Paul Roche, Star Tours inside Techniquest’s 360-degree planetarium, an eclipse-themed quiz and access to more than 100 hands-on exhibits.
There will also be a board-games area presented with Cardiff’s Chance & Counters, creative activities in the Create & Shape Zone and food and drink available throughout the evening. A welcome drink is included with admission.
The event is for guests aged 18 and over, and advance booking is recommended because capacity is limited.
Enjoy the Eclipse Safely
A solar eclipse should never be viewed directly without proper solar eye protection.
Ordinary sunglasses—even very dark ones—are not safe for looking at the Sun. Purpose-made solar eclipse viewing glasses should be worn whenever any portion of the bright Sun remains visible.
We are proud that solar eclipse glasses supplied through the Fin Whale Eclipse Project will help members of the Techniquest community experience the eclipse safely.
Collect your glasses from Techniquest from 2:00 p.m., choose a safe location with a clear view toward the western sky, and prepare for a remarkable evening of science and discovery.
After experiencing the eclipse, continue the celebration at one of Wales’s most inspiring scientific institutions.
Learn more and book After Hours: Eclipsed through the Techniquest website.
Learn more about the Fin Whale Eclipse Project and how the August 12 eclipse is helping support whale and ocean conservation.
