- Spain will be the epicenter of a total solar eclipse on August 12, the first visible from the peninsula in more than a century.
- The totality zone will cross 13 autonomous communities, with a maximum duration of almost two minutes in Asturias.
- The Government has created an inter-ministerial commission and will distribute millions of approved glasses for safe viewing.
- This eclipse opens the 'Trio of Eclipses' 2026-2028, with two total and one annular eclipse that will be visible again from Spain.
On August 12, at dusk, Spain will become the world's best vantage point for viewing a total solar eclipse . It will be the first of its kind visible from the Iberian Peninsula since 1912 , 114 years ago, and promises to be an unforgettable spectacle. The Moon's shadow will cross the country from west to east, plunging a 290-kilometer-wide strip of land, spanning thirteen autonomous communities, into a brief but intense darkness.
The phenomenon will coincide with sunset, adding to its beauty: the sun will be very low, between 2,5 and 12 degrees above the horizon, and totality will occur as the sun sets. To enjoy it safely, authorities insist on the use of eclipse glasses certified under the ISO 12312-2 standard and remind everyone that conventional sunglasses are not suitable. The government has also launched a website and a mobile viewer to help locate the ideal viewing spot.
A historic phenomenon and a unique opportunity
The eclipse of August 12th is not an isolated event. It is part of the so-called 'Triumphant Eclipse' that Spain will experience between 2026 and 2028 , an unprecedented sequence that includes two total eclipses and one annular eclipse. The second will be on August 2nd, 2027, considered the longest of the 21st century visible from Europe, with up to five minutes of total darkness in Ceuta. The third, on January 26th, 2028, will create an annular solar eclipse and its spectacular ring of fire across the Iberian Peninsula from southwest to northeast. The scientific community attributes this coincidence to a fortunate alignment of orbital cycles that places Spain in the path of the moon's shadow.
Expectations are running high. Tourist bookings in the areas where the lockdown has been lifted have skyrocketed, especially in small towns in Aragon, Navarre, Castile and León, and Castile-La Mancha , where the increase in overnight stays is up to ten times higher than last year. Travelers from France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands dominate accommodation searches. The average expenditure per visitor has risen to 670 euros, 100 euros more in the case of European tourists.
Where and when to see it?
The path of totality will enter through the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula and cross the country from west to east. The regions that will be able to fully enjoy the eclipse are Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Castile and León, La Rioja, the Basque Country, Navarre, Aragon, the Community of Madrid, Castile-La Mancha, Catalonia, the Valencian Community, and the Balearic Islands . Outside this path, the eclipse will be seen as a partial eclipse, with a high percentage of totality in many cases, such as in Aranjuez, where it will reach 99,73%.
The exact time varies depending on the location. In general, the partial eclipse will begin around 19:30 p.m., totality will be reached around 20:30 p.m., and it will last between 1 minute and 18 seconds (in Sagunto) and 1 minute and 48 seconds (in Oviedo). The Sun will set while eclipsed, so it is crucial to find a location with a completely clear western horizon , without buildings, mountains, or trees obstructing the view. The web viewer provided by the Ministry of Science allows you to check the exact position of the Sun from any location.
Safety first: certified glasses and precautions
Looking directly at the sun without protection can cause irreversible eye damage. The only valid eclipse glasses are those that comply with the international standard ISO 12312-2:2015 and bear the authentic CE marking , along with the manufacturer's name and instructions for use. The Spanish government, through the Interministerial Commission for the Trio of Eclipses, has coordinated the distribution of millions of pairs of eclipse glasses throughout the country. For example, the Teruel Provincial Council will distribute 140.000 pairs to all registered residents, while the Sagunto City Council will distribute 11.000 through shops, tourist offices, and at events.
In addition to eclipse glasses, there are safe indirect methods, such as pinhole projection (using a box or cardboard with a small hole) or the use of front-facing solar filters on telescopes and cameras. Children require special attention because their lenses are more transparent and they can be damaged more easily ; they should always be supervised by adults and wear certified eclipse glasses. It is also recommended to exercise extreme caution on the road, as severe traffic jams are expected before and after the eclipse, and to avoid driving during the sudden darkness.
Institutional preparations and local activities
In July 2025, the Council of Ministers approved the creation of the Interministerial Commission for the Trio of Eclipses, chaired by the Secretary of State for Science and comprised of 13 ministries. This marks the first time the Spanish government has created a specific body to manage an astronomical phenomenon . The official monitoring center will be the Yebes Observatory (Guadalajara), from where the eclipse will be broadcast live with experts from the National Geographic Institute, the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics, and the Spanish Space Agency.
Numerous municipalities have organized parallel activities. In Sagunto, the City Council has prepared a large celebration at the Puerto de Sagunto pier, with informative talks, distribution of astronomical glasses, and a science exhibition. In Teruel, the Provincial Council has trained business owners and local councils and conducted a simulation of the event at the Javalambre ski resort. In Onda (Castellón), the Castle of the 300 Towers will be an official observation point, with free admission and astronomical glasses for attendees . In Aranjuez, the Royal Carlos III Theatre will host an information session on July 23rd, led by the Madrid Astronomical Association, with free admission and astronomical glasses for all attendees.
The eclipse will also have an impact on wildlife. Previous studies, such as the one conducted at the Riverbanks Zoo during the 2024 eclipse in the US, recorded behavioral changes in 75% of the animals: birds singing their morning songs, bats emerging early, and others returning to their roosts. The abrupt darkness disrupts the biological rhythms of many species , although the effect is temporary and disappears minutes after sunlight returns.
For photography enthusiasts, the challenge is immense. The changing light conditions require lens filters, tripods, and manual adjustments. Experts recommend not looking through the camera's viewfinder without protection and wearing certified safety glasses when using a mobile phone if you want to record video.
This August 12th, Spain will come to a standstill to gaze at the sky. The combination of a total eclipse at sunset, institutional involvement, and the public response makes this event a collective milestone. We have been waiting for such a phenomenon for over a century, and the summer weather conditions inspire optimism . All that remains is to choose a good spot, protect your eyes, and enjoy one of the greatest spectacles that nature has to offer.
