In the coming years , Spain will become one of the world's major epicenters for observing solar eclipses . Between 2026 and 2028, the Iberian Peninsula will witness two total solar eclipses and one annular eclipse, a truly exceptional event that hasn't occurred for over a century and promises to attract experts, enthusiasts, and astrotourists from all over Europe.
The excitement 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 about the three phenomena, making it easier for anyone to plan their observation and providing educational and historical resources, as well as recommendations for enjoying the event safely.
Chronology of solar eclipses in Spain
Over three consecutive summers, the inhabitants of Spain will have the opportunity to witness three unique 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
The National Geographic Institute and the National Center for Geographic Information 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, the site offers scientific explanations , educational materials, resources for astrophotography, information on the cultural and artistic impact of eclipses, and eye safety recommendations . It is geared toward both researchers and the general public and is part of a broader outreach campaign that will include courses, lectures, and publications to bring the phenomenon closer to everyone.
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 the sky. In 2027, a partial eclipse of over 74% will be visible, and in 2028 it will be one of the places where the ring of fire will adorn the sky just before sunset.
The Campo de Gibraltar region will be the epicenter of the 2027 and 2028 eclipses, with the total and annular shadows crossing the area. In the rest of the country, from A Coruña to Valencia, each town will have its own moment in the spotlight, which has prompted the creation of tourism planning and resource mobilization committees in regions like Catalonia and Andalusia.
The event will attract scientists, eclipse chasers and the general public, so a boom in astrotourism is expected 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 longest total solar eclipse ever recorded is predicted for July 16, 2186 , lasting 7 minutes and 29 seconds , according to NASA calculations. This phenomenon will be visible primarily in Colombia, Venezuela, and Guyana and will not be comparable for thousands of years. Its record-breaking duration is due to a combination of the Moon at perigee and the Earth at aphelion, which maximize the apparent size of our satellite and minimize that of the Sun as seen from our planet.
For the Spanish event of 2027, the dark phase will last 6 minutes and 23 seconds in key locations such as Egypt , although in Spain the duration will be somewhat shorter, but equally notable for the astronomical community.
The study of solar eclipses has enormous scientific value. During an occultation, the solar corona becomes accessible for observation and analysis, allowing scientists to investigate the mechanisms that generate the solar wind and better understand the behavior of the Sun's outer atmosphere. Furthermore, these events allow scientists to examine 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.
- Part Time: 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 safely, it is essential to:
- 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 series of solar eclipses that Spain will experience in the coming years represents a unique event for science, tourism, and cultural outreach. Digital tools, official resources, and regional preparations will transform each event into a memorable collective experience across the country.