Spain will experience a total solar eclipse at dusk. that will turn the sky into a rarely seen spectacle. The appointment will be the Wednesday August 12 2026, with the band of totality crossing the northern peninsula and reaching the Balearic Islands, and with maximum durations that will be around one minute and 43 seconds at the most favorable points.
Attention is already focused on provinces such as León, Palencia, Burgos, Soria and areas in southern Aragon., as well as areas of Asturias and the island of Mallorca. Administrations and scientific entities have activated programs of dissemination, security and logistics, while the tourism sector detects a strong demand of stays and experiences linked to observation.
When and where the totality will be seen
The phenomenon will start in the afternoon on the peninsula, with the partial start planned for around 17:30, and the totality around 20:30 p.m. (varies by municipality). In the optimal area of the north and northeast of the Peninsula, durations of up to 1m 43s, while on the Mediterranean coast, Castellon points to a totality around 1m 34s to 20:31. In Burgos, the total is estimated to be around 1m 40s about 20:29, always depending on the exact point of observation.
The global path of the eclipse links Arctic and Atlantic latitudes before arriving in Spain, which offers a unique combination of accessibility, infrastructure and, in the middle of August, high probability of clear skiesTo take advantage of it, it will be key to choose places with a free western horizon, since the whole thing will catch us with the Very low sun.
Communities that are already preparing
Aragon It has launched in advance to test its operations with a previous event in Javalambre, The Night of the Sun, which combines workshops, music, outreach and night observation. The tickets online of the workshops were sold out, and are offered special accesses at the box office to enjoy the countdown, performances and activities until midnight. The Teruel Provincial Council coordinates the program with the support of the Government of Aragon, local entities and research centers such as CEFCA, with solar telescopes and devices like the Sun Gun for guided explanations.
The meeting includes a solar photography workshop with mobile phone, dynamics of breathing, meditation and Chi Kung at sunset, and tastings of products with the Aragonese seal (wine, oil, truffle, ham, cheeses or seasonal peach). The day starts at 18:30 and culminates with a big screen and live music, even with sounds captured from space to set the mood for the evening. The organization also includes a Special event to understand the impact of the eclipse on tourism and science.
En Burgos, the local Astronomical Association has launched twelve observation workshops during the summer to train the general public and visitors: a informative talk over the sky, safety for the eclipse and guided observation with telescopes non-professionals. We work with the Provincial Council in conditioned areas for the big date, more material of support and the possibility of a online broadcastThe objective is to position the province as reference in astrotourism in the north of the peninsula.
The city of Castellon advances a broad program with its Planetario as the epicenter, reinforced with a new Full Dome 4K system (approximate investment of 360.000 €) and forecast of distribution of observation glasses certified. There will be children's and school workshops, talks, exhibitions and activities of photographyThe Castellón coast, due to its climate and access, aspires to become great meeting point the afternoon of the eclipse.
En Catalonia a has been activated interdepartmental plan with technical advice from the IEEC for ensure security, accessibility and dissemination throughout the territory. Teams of Rural Agents they are checking observation points within the band of totality to prepare a shadow map public access, accompanied by a official website with tips, educational materials, and a local activities agenda.
Areas with the best visibility in Spain
El National Astronomical Observatory and the regional initiatives point out as specially favored areas for the whole Oviedo, León, Palencia, Burgos and Soria, plus areas of southern Aragon (With Teruel among the highlighted provinces). In the Aragonese Community a total of 594 locations with visibility of the phenomenon, of which 157 would enjoy optimal conditions; distributed, essentially, between 82 in Teruel y 75 in ZaragozaFor more details on the best locations, see the projections of the areas with the best visibility of the phenomenon.
En Castilla y Leon, visibility will be magnificent in León, Burgos, Palencia and SoriaIn addition north of ValladolidIn the province of Zamora the time of totality is shortened towards the capital, so points of the northern Zamora. In Salamanca The total strip barely touches the province, so it will be enough travel a few kilometers to the northeast to improve the result.
The expected flow of visitors is significant, so it is recommended planning trips and choose locations with access and services appropriate. The regional and municipal authorities are preparing spacious spaces —such as beaches and esplanades— to facilitate an experience tidy and safe.
Safety and observation tips
Basic rule: never look directly at the Sun without approved protection. The eclipse glasses must comply with the ISO 12312-2 standard; use them following the manufacturer's instructions and, if necessary, rest your eyes periodically. Also valid are the dedicated sunscreens (e.g., specialized astronomical-quality plates) for optical instruments.
For telescopes or binoculars, install specific filters at the entrance of light and avoid devices not recommended for direct projection. A refracting telescope it is useful for project the image on a white surface, keeping cautious so as not to overheat the optics and without exposing the skin to the concentrated beam.
Los indirect methods They are ideal for the general public: from a homemade camera obscura until taking advantage of the light patterns that filter between leaves or interlacing the fingers to project the solar silhouette onto the ground. These are options safe and educational for families and schools.
As the totality will catch us with the Sun very close to the horizon, it suits reconnoitering the terrain days before: check that there are no buildings, trees or hills that block the line of sight west. Bring water, sunscreen, and allow time for avoid crowds last minute.
Approximate schedules and duration by area
In the Peninsula, the partial start It is estimated at about 17:30. The whole will arrive around 20:29 AM – 20:31 PM, according to the municipality. In the best-located points of the northern peninsula, maximum duration will be around 1m 43sLocal reference figures: Burgos around 1m 40s y Castellon about 1m 34s. In Aragon, the autonomous maps indicate areas with more than a minute insured and peaks of 1m 43s within the optimal range.
These times are guidance and depend on the exact location, the relieve and possible obstacles nearby. Many communities will post visibility maps and local guides with precise coordinates to fine-tune the choice of location.