The next full moon will come with a total lunar eclipse visible at sunset, a spectacle that will dye the satellite reddish and can be seen from much of the country. The famous Blood Moon will appear low on the horizon, offering a very photogenic image.
In Spain, the totality can be seen in almost all of the territory except in western Galicia and the Canary Islands, where only the partial phase will be visible. No instruments are required: it can be enjoyed safely with the naked eye, just as with a pair of binoculars. binoculars or a small telescope.
Eclipse schedule and phases
The shadow of the Earth will begin to bite the Moon at 18:27, moment in which the partial phaseThe whole will extend from 19:31 - 20:53, with the maximum expected at 20:12 (peninsular time). The duration of the total phase will be 83 minutes, one of the longest of the decade.
To observe it with guarantees, the most interesting band goes approximately from 19:30 - 21:00In much of the eastern peninsula and the Balearic Islands the Moon will already be high during much of the totality, while in sectors of the west it will appear already eclipsed near its maximum.
Where will it be seen in Spain?
According to official calculations, The totality will be visible in almost the entire Peninsula and the Balearic IslandsIn western Galicia and the Canary Islands, the Moon will rise when the eclipse is already well underway, so there it will only be seen the partial phase.
By cities, the estimated totality times are indicative: Barcelona will last around 41 minutes (from around 20:12), Valencia about 21, Barcelona around 18 (around 20:35–20:53) and Seville around 11 (as of 20:42). In A Coruna The Moon will rise around 20:56 p.m., so totality will already be over; Ourense and Lugo Moonrise will practically coincide with the end of the total phase.
Those who wish to fine-tune schedules by location can consult the data of the IGN in its section “From the provincial capitals”, which shows the evolution of the phenomenon for each city and whether the entirety will be visible or only partial.
Why the Moon turns red
During a total eclipse, the Earth lies between the Sun and the Moon and casts its shadow on the moon. However, some sunlight passes through the Earth's atmosphere and is deflected onto the lunar surface, filtered by the air; that's why we see it with reddish tones due to Rayleigh scattering, the same process that colors sunrises and sunsets.
The intensity of the color may vary: dust, smoke or mist In the atmosphere, they enhance dark reds, while a clearer atmosphere favors a softer red. This is why each Blood Moon has a slightly different hue.
Tips to observe it better
The phenomenon is totally safe at a glanceTo enjoy it, it's best to find a spot with a clear eastern horizon, without buildings or mountains obscuring the moonrise, especially in the western Iberian Peninsula and Galicia.
A high vantage point (lookouts, rooftops, or hills) helps you gain an angle. Bringing binoculars improves contrast and allows you to appreciate the surroundings. changes in brightness and color during the different phases. Apps such as Stellarium, Star Walk, or SkySafari can be useful for tracking the trajectory.
If you want to check exactly when you will see the Moon over your city, check out the resources of the National Geographic Institute: There the evolution of the eclipse in each capital is detailed and whether it coincides with totality or only with the partial section.
Other dates to keep in mind
This will be the second and last lunar eclipse yearThe last total eclipse observable from Spain was on March 14, although in some areas of the eastern peninsula and the Balearic Islands, the totality could not be observed due to time constraints.
The next such appointment will take place on March 2–3, 2026, but it will not be visible from Spain. Afterwards, there will be a partial eclipse on August 28, 2026 or with a penumbral on February 20, 2027, both with different characteristics.
A full moon tinged with red at dusk, Well-defined schedules and wide visibility in Spain make this eclipse a perfect opportunity to gaze at the sky; all you need is a clear horizon, a little planning, and, if you're up for it, a pair of binoculars to savor every minute of totality.
