Paxi's Cosmic Art Contest: Eclipses
Hey Sun seekers, it's Paxi here! ☀️
This August, something amazing is going to happen in the sky!
On 12 August, a rare total solar eclipse will be visible from parts of Greenland, Iceland, Spain and a tiny part of Portugal. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon passes directly in front of the Sun and completely blocks its light for a few minutes, making it feel like day is briefly turning into night!A total solar eclipse happens when the Sun, Moon and Earth line up perfectly, and the Moon covers the Sun exactly. This is only possible because the Moon is about 400 times smaller than the Sun, but it's relative position is about 400 times closer to Earth. What an incredible cosmic coincidence!
If you are living in most of Europe, parts of northwestern Africa and parts of North America, it's still worth looking up in the sky. A partial solar eclipse will be visible, the Moon only covers part of the Sun, making it look as if a giant bite has been taken out of it.
If you're one of the lucky people who gets to see the eclipse, never look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection. You can safely enjoy the event using certified eclipse glasses, a special solar filter for a camera or telescope, or even by making your own pinhole projector.
And what better way to celebrate an eclipse than by creating your own eclipse-themed art? Whether it's the coolest pinhole projector, an awesome eclipse model, a painting, a drawing or something completely unique, I'd love to see your solar masterpiece.
Join the Cosmic Art Contest!
Theme: Eclipses
Deadline: 31 August 2026
Submit your artwork through ESA Learn by clicking here.
Your artwork could be a drawing, a painting, model or even something digital… use your imagination!
Get creative and show us your imagination through art! I will select the best entries which will go into the Space Gallery and will receive a special prize from the European Space Agency.
Check out the ESA Kids website regularly to see who our monthly winners are!
Please note: Artwork cannot be returned. Due to the large number of entries we receive each month, we do not send letters to participants acknowledging receipt. Only the winners are contacted by ESA.
Maximum age limit for competition entries is 12.
