Spain to Host Its First Total Solar Eclipse in 114 Years on August 12, 2026
On August 12, 2026, the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands will witness a total solar eclipse, the first visible since 1912. This astronomical phenomenon will occur at sunset, with the path of totality crossing the country from west to east. A large influx of enthusiasts and tourists is expected for the event.
Date and Main Features of the Eclipse
The total solar eclipse will take place on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The totality phase will occur when the Sun is very low on the western horizon, requiring observation points with a clear view to the west. In summer, the chances of clear skies are high in most of the country. The maximum duration of totality in Spanish territory will be about 1 minute and 50 seconds in optimal locations like near Luarca.
Path of Totality Across Spain
The Moon’s shadow will enter over Galicia around 7:30 PM and move eastward, covering provincial capitals such as A Coruña, Oviedo, León, Bilbao, Zaragoza, Valencia, and Palma de Mallorca. The path crosses the northern half of the peninsula, ending in the Balearic Islands shortly after 8:30 PM. Locations outside this band will experience a partial eclipse. The National Geographic Institute (IGN) provides detailed viewers for over 8,000 municipalities.
Historical Context and the Iberian Eclipse Series
This will be the first total eclipse visible on the Iberian Peninsula in over a century, since the one in 1912. It is part of the so-called ‘Iberian Trio’ or ‘Trio of Eclipses’: a total eclipse in 2026, another in 2027 (on August 2, with longer duration in the south), and an annular eclipse on January 26, 2028. Another total eclipse will not be seen in Spain until 2053. The 2026 event coincides with the Perseid meteor shower, which will peak that night under a new moon.
Observation Expectations and Available Resources
The phenomenon will attract numerous national and international observers. For safe viewing, using certified solar filters during the partial phases is recommended. The IGN portal and the National Astronomical Observatory provide detailed information and maps to plan your observation from any location in Spain.
