Since its founding in 1876, the Northamptonshire Natural History Society has shared in one of astronomy’s most captivating pursuits: the observation of solar eclipses.

In an age before affordable travel and digital imaging, witnessing a total eclipse required determination and careful planning. In 1896, members of the Society undertook a remarkable journey to Norway to observe a total solar eclipse – travelling hundreds of miles in the hope of standing, briefly, in the Moon’s shadow. Expeditions like this reflected the spirit of curiosity and dedication that has long defined the NNHS.

That same spirit continues today. On 12 August 2026, a spectacular total solar eclipse swept across parts of Spain, Iceland and Greenland, while the UK experienced its deepest partial solar eclipse for decades. Across much of Britain, more than 94% of the Sun was covered as the eclipse reached its maximum close to sunset, creating one of the most dramatic astronomical sights visible from the UK in a generation. Many NNHS members travelled to the path of totality, while others gathered across Northamptonshire to witness this remarkable event.

While technology has transformed how we observe and record these events, the sense of wonder remains unchanged. From Victorian expeditions to modern-day observations, solar eclipses connect generations of naturalists and astronomers. They remind us that, however much the world changes, there are still moments when we all look up together in awe.