Total solar eclipse in Spain, when and where to see it?
After the total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024, many people wondered: when will we be able to observe another similar eclipse? The answer is in Spain, and it will have a total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026.
The solar eclipse of August 12, 2026, will be visible as a total eclipse in parts of Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain. This is a unique opportunity for many people and well worth seeing.
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Path of the solar eclipse of August 12, 2026. Source: Eclipse Predictions by Fred Espenak, NASA's GSFC / Wikimedia Commons
Specifically, the total solar eclipse will move from A Coruña (at 8:30 pm) to Palma de Mallorca, where it will coincide with sunset.
The eclipse will be visible as a total eclipse from the following provincial capitals:
- Bilbao
- Burgos
- Castellón
- A Coruña
- Basin
- Guadalajara
- Huesca
- Lion
- Lleida
- Logroño
- Lugo
- Oviedo
- Palencia
- Palma de Mallorca
- Santander
- Segovia
- Soria
- Tarragona
- Teruel
- Valencia
- Valladolid
- Vitoria
- Zamora
- Saragossa
The following map shows the path of the eclipse; the central red line marks the best location to observe it.
Path of the total solar eclipse in Spain on August 12, 2026. Source: Wikicommons
"Madrid and Barcelona are completely outside the area of totality. Of all the Spanish provincial capitals mentioned, Oviedo will have the greatest magnitude and duration of the total eclipse phase (1m 48s)."
The spectacle won't just be in the sky. According to NASA, those within the path of the eclipse will experience the moment of totality—the period when the Moon completely blocks the Sun's surface—variations in wind direction, drops in air temperatures, and changes in the behavior of animals and insects.
The spectacle won't just be in the sky. According to NASA, those within the path of the eclipse will experience the moment of totality—the period when the Moon completely blocks the Sun's surface—variations in wind direction, drops in air temperatures, and changes in the behavior of animals and insects.
Recommendations for observing the total eclipse in Spain
Whether you live in the area or not, plan your trip: where will you go to see it? Look for open spots, bring an umbrella, water, sunscreen to protect your skin, and above all, sunglasses with certified filters. Special sunglasses should be bought in advance; guarantee you and your companions have them by purchasing them ahead of time.
Solar observation glasses have a lifespan of 10 years if stored in a suitable place; they are sold in astronomy stores such as Astro Telescopios.
Can I view the solar eclipse with a telescope?
The answer is yes, provided you have the correct filter to cover the full aperture of the telescope tube. Some telescopes are sold with the filter already included as an accessory.
To see the entire circumference of the Sun, eyepieces with lower magnifications are recommended, such as 20mm and preferably 25mm to have a larger field of view.
A telescope with an aperture between 50mm and 70mm is sufficient to observe the event; they are also lighter and some are sold with a backpack for transport.
If you already have a telescope, on this page you can see the different solar filters available:
Buy in advance, don't wait until days before the event because you might miss out.