National Sun Viewing Day on July 5, 2026
Gaze at the sun during the National Sun Viewing Day. On Sunday, July 5, 2026, you can safely admire the sun through a telescope during this nationwide event. From migrating sunspots to swirling loops of gas larger than the Earth: amateur astronomers can use special telescopes to show you the sun as you have never seen it before. Are clouds obstructing the sun? Then have them explain what kind of clouds they are and what that means meteorologically. Visit www.zonnekijkdag.nl for locations and events near your city and region.
National Sun Viewing Day on July 5, 2026
The Sun is the closest star to Earth and is fascinating to observe. You can do this safely using special filters and telescopes. Without these filters, the Sun's intensity is harmful to your eyes. Fortunately, amateur astronomers and observatories have the right equipment to allow you to look at the Sun safely. For instance, in white-filtered light, dark spots are visible: those sunspots that are a measure of the Sun's activity. And when all colors are filtered out of sunlight except for one shade of red, a swirling and turbulent solar image becomes visible, with loops of gas that can be larger than the Earth. In 2025, the Sun will likely reach its maximum activity, and sunspots and flares will be visible almost daily.
Annually every first Sunday in July: come by on July 5, 2026
After the maximum around mid-2025, the Sun is now once again in a waning phase of its activity cycle. The minimum is expected to occur in 2030/31. Activity remains high this year, and sunspots can be seen every day. Solar flares are also frequently visible with an H-alpha telescope. This activity varies with an 11-year cycle, and the Sun changes visibly. That is why it is exciting to come and view the Sun on the first Sunday of July during the annual Sun Viewing Day. The map below lists all participating locations that have registered with us so far. Click on a location for more visitor information.
Upcoming solar eclipse on August 12, 2026
Shortly after the National Solar Observation Day, there will be a solar eclipse on August 12. The organizations participating in the Solar Observation Day will certainly also be active during the solar eclipse. A new flyer has been created containing information about this. The flyer is available from participating organizations. Information regarding the photo contest organized in conjunction with this solar eclipse can also be found there. The flyer and a poster are also available via the page: “Supporting material”
Attention to meteorology
The activities of the National Sun Viewing Day take place during the day; on this day, the KNVWS also draws attention to the weather—the 'W' in our name. The weather plays a major role in whether or not it is possible to view the sun. Clouds are often a spoilsport, but clouds also indicate what the weather is like and what kind of weather is approaching. Sun and clouds together also create special phenomena such as halos and parhelions. Expertise is available at many locations, and staff will be happy to provide explanations.
The time at which your response becomes visible may vary by language and take up to 24 hours.