In the next years, the Spanish territory will become one of the world's major epicenters for the observation of solar eclipsesBetween 2026 and 2028, the Iberian Peninsula will witness two total solar eclipses and one annular solar eclipse, a truly remarkable event. exceptional which has not been produced for more than a century and which promises to attract experts, amateurs and astrotourists from all over Europe.
La expectation generated by this "Iberian Trio" has prompted the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, together with the National Geographic Institute (IGN), to launch the website eclipses.ign.es. This platform centralizes practical, scientific and safety information on the three phenomena, making it easier for anyone to plan their observation and providing educational and historical resources and recommendations to enjoy the event safely.
Chronology of solar eclipses in Spain
Over the course of three consecutive summers, the inhabitants of Spain will have the opportunity to witness three singular eclipses:
- August 12, 2026: Total solar eclipse visible across much of the Iberian Peninsula, the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands. Totality will cross from west to east, affecting cities such as A Coruña, Zaragoza, Valencia, and Palma. The sun will be low on the horizon, making it especially spectacular experience, although it will also require looking for places with good visibility.
- August 2, 2027: Second total eclipse, most visible in the southern peninsula, Ceuta, Melilla, and parts of North Africa. The exceptional duration of the total phase will be notable, reaching 4 minutes and 48 seconds in Ceuta. In Cadiz and Malaga, the totality will also be visible.
- January 26, 2028: Annular eclipse, whose characteristics will allow us to see the famous ring of fire in cities such as Córdoba, Seville, Tarragona and Valencia, just before sunset. It will be essential to locate points with a completely clear western horizon to enjoy the ring of light.
Spain hasn't experienced such a sequence since 1912 and 1959, when only the Canary Islands were able to observe a total eclipse. Many regions will have the opportunity to experience the phenomenon firsthand, reinvigorating their interest in astronomy.
The official portal: detailed information and viewers
El National Geographic Institute and the National Geographic Information Center have developed interactive tools for the official website, where any user can find out about their locality:
- Start, maximum, and end times of the eclipse
- Estimated duration of all phases
- Weather forecasts to facilitate observation
- Simulations of how the shadow will move across the country
In addition, they are found scientific explanations, educational materials, resources for astrophotography, information on the cultural and artistic impact of eclipses and eye safety recommendationsThe site is aimed at both researchers and the general public and is part of a broader campaign to divulgation which will include courses, conferences and publications to bring the phenomenon closer to society as a whole.
Breakdown by region: Tarragona, Campo de Gibraltar and other key points
Some provinces will enjoy a privileged position for observation. For example, in Tarragona The total eclipse of 2026 will be visible for just over a minute with the Sun low. In 2027, a partial occultation of over 74% will be visible, and in 2028 it will be one of the places where the ring of Fire adorn the sky just before sunset.
The region of Gibraltar Field It will be the epicenter of the 2027 and 2028 eclipses, with the totality and annular shadows crossing the area. In the rest of the country, from A Coruña to Valencia, each locality will have its own moments of prominence, which has prompted the creation of tourism planning and resource mobilization committees in regions such as Catalonia and Andalusia.
The event will attract scientists, eclipse hunters and the general public, so a boom in the number of eclipses is expected. astrotourism and special management is being prepared for mobility, accommodation and security.
The longest solar eclipse in history and what science says
Far from our borders, the July 16, 2186 The longest total solar eclipse ever recorded is expected to last 7 minutes y 29 seconds, according to NASA calculations. This phenomenon will be visible primarily in Colombia, Venezuela, and Guyana and will be unparalleled for thousands of years. Its record is due to a combination of the Moon at perigee and the Earth at aphelion, which maximizes the apparent size of our satellite and minimizes that of the Sun as seen from our planet.
For the 2027 Spanish event, the dark phase will arrive at key points such as Egypt 6 minutes y 23 seconds, although in Spain the duration will be somewhat shorter, but equally notable for the astronomical community.
The study of solar eclipses It has enormous scientific value. During the occultation, the solar corona becomes accessible for observation and analysis, allowing for research into the mechanisms that generate the solar wind and a better understanding of the behavior of the Sun's outer atmosphere. Furthermore, these events allow for the examination of the Earth's ionosphere and its influence on communications and satellite technology.
Categories and tips for safe viewing
Solar eclipses can be classified as:
- Total: The Moon completely covers the Sun, leaving only the corona visible.
- Partial: only a part of the solar disk is hidden.
- Cancel: The Moon, from its greatest distance, reveals a ring of light around the Sun.
- Hybrid: oscillates between total and annular depending on the observation point.
To observe a solar eclipse without risks, it is essential:
- Use glasses with an ISO 12312-2 approved filter
- Avoid looking at the Sun directly with optical instruments without specific filters
- Opt for indirect methods, such as pinhole projectors
These precautions help prevent irreparable damage to your eyes and allow you to enjoy the phenomenon in complete safety.
The set of solar eclipses The events that Spain will experience in the coming years are unique for science, tourism, and cultural outreach. Digital tools, official resources, and regional preparation will make each event a unique experience. memorable collective experience across the country.