Broughty Castle to host Dundee’s rare sunset solar eclipse viewing event
- Andrew Batchelor
- Jul 22
- 2 min read
New details have been revealed on how Dundee will celebrate the rare sunset solar eclipse next month.
Astronomy enthusiasts are being invited to Broughty Castle next month as Mills Observatory takes its solar eclipse celebrations to the banks of the River Tay for what is expected to be one of Scotland’s most spectacular celestial events in recent years.
On Wednesday 12 August, a huge partial solar eclipse will see up to 91.6% of the Sun obscured at its peak over Dundee, offering a dramatic sight for those with a clear view of the western horizon.
The eclipse is scheduled to begin at 6:07pm, reach its maximum at 7:04pm, and conclude at 8:00pm.
While many had hoped to gather at Mills Observatory, staff have confirmed that the Sun will be sitting extremely low on the horizon by the time the eclipse takes place, making the historic observatory an unsuitable location for viewing the event.
Instead, the team is relocating to Broughty Castle, where the open views west along the River Tay from the castle grounds and surrounding piers are expected to provide a much better opportunity to witness the eclipse as it unfolds.
To mark the occasion, Broughty Castle Museum and its grounds will remain open until 8:30pm, allowing visitors to enjoy the rare astronomical event in one of Dundee’s most scenic locations.
Visitors hoping to watch the eclipse safely are encouraged to purchase certified solar eclipse glasses, which will be available from the Broughty Castle Shop from Wednesday 5 August. Priced at £1 per pair, around 400 pairs will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Further details about the evening are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
The event marks another chapter in Mills Observatory’s long tradition of bringing astronomy to the people of Dundee. Although the eclipse won’t be visible from the observatory itself, the move to Broughty Castle will ensure residents and visitors still have the opportunity to experience one of the year’s most anticipated astronomical events together—weather permitting.
