On August 12, Spain will witness a total solar eclipse , the first on the Iberian Peninsula since 1905. The phenomenon will turn day into night for just over a minute along a narrow path across the north of the country, from Galicia to the Balearic Islands. Millions of people are preparing to experience this astronomical spectacle, which also marks the beginning of a trio of exceptional eclipses that will continue in 2027 and 2028.
The eclipse will begin around 19:30 p.m. (peninsular time) and reach its peak between 20:26 p.m. and 20:33 p.m., just as sunset approaches. Totality will last between 30 seconds and 1 minute and 50 seconds, depending on your proximity to the center of the path of totality. Experts recommend finding a location with a clear western horizon and arriving early to avoid crowds.
A historic astronomical phenomenon
It has been 114 years since a total solar eclipse crossed the Iberian Peninsula. The last one was on August 30, 1905, and since then only partial or annular eclipses have been visible. The scientific community considers this event a unique opportunity to study the solar corona, the Sun's outermost layer, which is only visible during totality. Researchers from the University of Alcalá (UAH) will set up telescopes and radio telescopes to collect data, in collaboration with teams from France, Belgium, and China.
In addition to its scientific value, the eclipse has a significant social impact. Millions of tourists are expected to arrive in the viewing areas, prompting the central government to activate a special civil protection plan. Authorities recommend avoiding last-minute travel and planning accommodations well in advance, as availability is already limited in the most sought-after locations.
Where and when will it be shown?
The path of totality will cross from west to east the regions of Galicia, Asturias, Castile and León, Madrid, Castile-La Mancha, Cantabria, La Rioja, the Basque Country, Navarre, Aragon, Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands. Cities like Madrid and Barcelona will be outside the path of totality and will only see a partial, albeit very intense, eclipse. In southern Madrid, municipalities such as Leganés, Getafe, and Móstoles will not experience total darkness, so residents will need to travel to the mountains to witness totality.
In Galicia, the region where the lunar shadow will pass, Ribadeo, Burela, and the coast of Lugo offer the best viewing conditions, with up to 1 minute and 49 seconds of totality. In A Coruña, the Tower of Hercules and Mount San Pedro are recommended viewing spots. In the rest of Spain, viewing times vary: in the western part of the peninsula, the eclipse will end around 21:20 p.m., while in the Balearic Islands it will end between 20:40 p.m. and 20:50 p.m. In the Canary Islands, the phenomenon will begin around 19:00 p.m. local time.
Eye safety: the key to enjoying it
Looking directly at the sun without protection can cause irreversible damage to the retina, known as solar retinopathy. Conventional sunglasses, tinted lenses, or X-ray film do not protect against ultraviolet and infrared radiation. Only certified sunglasses with ISO 12312-2:2015 and CE marking are safe. The National Police have issued a warning about the sale of counterfeit sunglasses, recommending that they be purchased from trusted retailers such as ONCE (the Spanish National Organization of the Blind).
During totality, when the Moon completely covers the Sun, it is safe to remove your eclipse glasses for a few seconds to observe the solar corona. As soon as the first ray of light appears, put them back on immediately . Children should be supervised at all times, and it is advisable to tie the glasses to a string so they don't get lost. Those without eclipse glasses can follow the eclipse using comprehensive guides to observing the great eclipse from observatories and media outlets.
The trio of eclipses and the Perseids
The eclipse of August 12, 2026, is the first in a series of three consecutive eclipses visible from Spain. On August 2, 2027, another total eclipse will cross the Strait of Gibraltar , and on January 26, 2028, an annular eclipse, known as a "ring of fire," will complete the trio. Experts consider this concentration exceptional, as nothing similar has occurred since the beginning of the 20th century.
Furthermore, the night of August 12-13 will coincide with the peak of the Perseids, the most popular meteor shower of the summer. Between 4:00 and 6:00 a.m., between 50 and 100 meteors per hour will be visible , provided the sky is clear and far from light pollution. A double treat for astronomy enthusiasts that promises to be unforgettable.
The solar eclipse of August 12th will be an event many will remember for years. The combination of such a rare phenomenon, the scientific opportunity it offers, and its coincidence with the Perseid meteor shower make it a date marked on the calendar. Planning your observation in advance, respecting safety measures, and choosing a good location are key to enjoying it to the fullest without risk. Whether from the path of totality or from anywhere in Spain, the sky will offer a spectacle worth experiencing responsibly.
