A Global Eclipse Experience
On Wednesday, August 12, SkyMapper is proud to join our partners at the SETI Institute and the California Academy of Sciences for a unique celebration of the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse.
Although California won't experience totality, modern observation technology makes it possible for audiences to experience the eclipse live through observations from Iceland and northern Spain, both located directly within the path of totality.
Combined with live scientific discussions and a special performance by the International Space Orchestra, the event transforms a distant astronomical event into a shared global experience.
Why This Event Matters
Every eclipse reminds us that astronomy is no longer limited by geography.
Today, connected observation networks allow people around the world to experience astronomical events together, regardless of where they occur. Whether observing from Europe, California, or anywhere else on Earth, technology enables scientists and the public alike to witness the same event, ask questions in real time, and deepen our understanding of the universe.
This philosophy closely aligns with SkyMapper's mission of building a global network of connected observation systems that create trusted, real-time observations from sky to space.
Event Highlights
- Experience the live streamed total solar eclipse from Iceland and Spain, accompanied by a live performance of PJ Harvey's Voyager by the International Space Orchestra.
- Hear SETI Institute scientists explain how eclipses have advanced scientific discovery and what they reveal about our nearest star.
- Ask questions during a live audience Q&A with SETI scientists.
- Explore how connected observations from around the world can bring remarkable astronomical events to audiences everywhere.
- Celebrate one of nature's most spectacular astronomical events alongside fellow science enthusiasts.
A Message from Dr. Franck Marchis
"Even though the Moon's shadow won't reach San Francisco, technology allows us to bring the eclipse to everyone. By connecting live to observers across Europe, we're demonstrating how a global observation network can transform a local astronomical event into a globally shared scientific experience. Whether you're in Iceland, Spain, or California, technology allows us to witness the same event together, interact with scientists, and celebrate our shared curiosity about the cosmos."
— Dr. Franck Marchis
Senior Planetary Astronomer, SETI Institute
CEO, SkyMapper
Event Information
What
Total Solar Eclipse Celebration
When
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Time
10:30 a.m. PDT
Where
California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Drive
San Francisco, California
Admission
Included with regular museum admission.
Livestream
Watch live from Iceland and Spain with accompanying performances by the International Space Orchestra.
About the International Space Orchestra
Founded in 2012, the International Space Orchestra is the world's first orchestra composed of astronauts, scientists, engineers, and researchers from organizations including NASA Ames Research Center, the SETI Institute, and the broader space community.
For this event, the orchestra will perform a live interpretation of PJ Harvey's Voyager, inspired by NASA's Voyager missions and humanity's enduring exploration of space.
About SkyMapper
SkyMapper is building a global observation network spanning from sky to space, combining intelligent hardware, connected telescopes, artificial intelligence, and decentralized infrastructure to deliver Intelligent Observations in real time.
The SkyMapper ecosystem includes SkyBridge, which connects telescopes into a unified global network; SkySphere, which provides continuous all-sky awareness through AI-powered observation; and SkyViewer, the command center where users can explore, access, and coordinate observations from across the network.
Together, these connected observation systems and cryptographically verifiable observation records enable trusted sky awareness, scientific discovery, and collaborative participation worldwide.
Learn More
Editor's Note
This article is adapted from the official event announcement jointly released by the SETI Institute and the California Academy of Sciences and has been revised for the SkyMapper audience.
