You’ve been shortlisted as the Fun Kids Royal Observatory Greenwich Young Astronomer!

Find out what to do next...

Congratulations!

You’ve made it through to the second round of Fun Kids Royal Observatory Greenwich’s Young Astronomer.

We loved your first entry and you’ve made the shortlist.

Just one more round stands between you and a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Royal Observatory Greenwich and the chance to be crowned the first ever Young Astronomer!

Please read the following information carefully so that you fully understand the next steps.

What happens now

  • We received so many entries that we couldn’t narrow it down first time round! So we’ve created a list of the best (including you!) to take part in a second round.
  • If you’re still excited by becoming the world’s first Young Astronomer, our second round is open right now. You can enter on this page – but don’t delay, the closing date is February 14th.
  • After, our judging panel – including astronomers from the Royal Observatory and other space experts – will pick three finalists.
  • We’ll invite those finalists to the Royal Observatory Greenwich on Saturday 1st March 2025 for a special event where the winner – the Fun Kids Royal Observatory Greenwich Young Astronomer – will be crowned!

What do I need to do?

In round one, we asked you for audio about your favourite planet.

This time, we’d love a video of you talking about solar eclipses. You don’t need to edit your video but make sure that we can see and hear you clearly.

Please keep your video under 60 seconds.

What is a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, blocking some or all of the Sun’s light for a short time.

It’s like the Moon is casting a shadow on Earth!

Depending on where you are, you might see a total eclipse (where the Sun is completely covered), a partial eclipse (where only part of the Sun is covered).

In 2025, the UK will get to see two solar eclipses:

  • 29 March 2025: A partial eclipse will be visible across the UK. You’ll see the Moon cover part of the Sun, making it look like a bite has been taken out of it!
  • 12 August 2026: Another partial eclipse will be visible, though this one will only happen if you travel to specific parts of the UK or nearby countries.

Always remember: never look directly at the Sun, even during an eclipse! Use special eclipse glasses or watch the shadows made by the sunlight through a pinhole or trees.

What should I include in my video?

You could try:

  • Explaining what a solar eclipse is
  • Telling us the dates and times we can view the eclipse
  • Let us know how to watch an eclipse safely

You could also give us other facts about solar eclipses around the world, or something you find cool or magical about solar eclipses.

This is your video and you can make it however you want. You don’t need to edit it, but we do expect to see and hear you.

Please keep your video to 60 seconds or under.

Entries are now closed.

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