Clangers and the Solar Eclipse
Tiny and Small Clanger learn about solar eclipses. Major Clanger makes special eclipse glasses for everyone to wear so they can watch a solar eclipse safely.
What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse takes place when the Moon moves between the Sun and the Earth, blocking the Sun's light either partially or completely.
Tiny and Small learn about solar eclipses with Major and Granny Clanger. Major demonstrates the position of the Moon while using Granny Clanger as the Sun. When Major steps in front of her, he recreates the positions of a solar eclipse.
Major ensures the Clangers do not look at the sun with their naked eye as this can be dangerous, so he makes solar goggles so Tiny and Small can watch the eclipse safely.
IMPORTANT SAFETY ADVICE:
Your child may be very excited about their first solar eclipse, but there's a few things to check so you can enjoy the event together safely:
✅ Use ISO 12312-2 rated special eclipse glasses or a pinhole projector to view the event.
❌ Never look at the sun directly as you will damage your eyes and it could cause blindness.
❌ Never use normal sunglasses as they will not offer enough protection. Even if you stack three pairs of sunglasses on top of each other, you can still damage your eyes.
❌ Do not share special eclipse glasses with your child, as you could accidentally expose their eyes to damaging rays.
How to watch the eclipse with your child safely
On Wednesday 12 August 2026, the UK will experience the best solar eclipse since 1999. Find out how you can watch the eclipse safely with this Eclipse Expert Safety Guide from Blue Peter on CBBC.
You can view the eclipse with your own pair of ISO 12312-2 rated special eclipse glasses, a pinhole project or even a colander.
Never look at the sun without the correct eye protection or you could permanently damage your eyesight.
More space games and puzzles for your child
Explore CBeebies Space Collection to create your own space crafts, test your space knowledge and watch your favourite characters blast off into the galaxy:
Play JoJo & Gran Gran Let's Go Stargazing game: Help JoJo find all of the different constellations in the night sky.
Help Duggee find the aliens in an easy tap and find game for observational astronauts!
Put together this CBeebies space jigsaw for space curious kids.
Captain, we have drift off: If your child can't get enough of space exploration, why not try this calming spaceship track for bedtime?
Where can I watch the Clangers?
The clip above is from Clangers episode 'Find the Eclipse', which you can watch on BBC iPlayer.
Three series of Clangers are available to watch on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer.