Key 'rehearsal' day arrives for the much-anticipated solar eclipse in Spain
Stargazers across Spain can test viewing spots now ahead of August 12 total eclipse
People across Spain are already gearing up for one of the most anticipated events of 2026, with a total solar eclipse set to take place on Wednesday August 12. It’s an incredibly rare opportunity, with the next one not expected until 2053, and large parts of the country will be perfectly placed to see it.
Astronomers are now encouraging anyone planning to watch the eclipse to take advantage of a simple check on Thursday April 30. The position of the sun in the sky on this date will closely match where it will sit during the eclipse in August, giving people a chance to test whether their chosen viewing spot offers a clear line of sight.
According to the National Astronomical Observatory, this is one of the easiest ways to avoid disappointment on the day itself.
Mario Tafalla explained that “the sun will give us the opportunity these next few days to know where it will be on August 12,” meaning any obstacles such as buildings, trees or hills can be spotted in advance.
Timing plays an important role in this check. Rather than heading out at the exact time the eclipse will peak in August, experts recommend looking at the sun around seven minutes earlier than the expected time for your location. This slight adjustment accounts for the difference between solar time and official clock time, which can affect positioning.
The key thing to look for is whether the sun is clearly visible low in the sky towards the west. If it can be seen between around 8.20pm and 8.26pm on Thursday, then conditions should be suitable for watching the eclipse in August from that same spot.
The path of totality, where the moon will completely cover the sun, will stretch across a large part of Spain. Regions including Galicia, Asturias, Castilla y León, Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, Cantabria, La Rioja, the Basque Country, Navarra, Aragon, Catalonia, Valencia and the Balearic Islands are all expected to experience the full effect.
Outside this band, the eclipse will still be visible but only partially, with the event lasting longer but without the dramatic moment of total darkness.
Even in the best locations, totality will be relatively short. In most cities it will last between one and two minutes, with shorter durations closer to the edges of the path. Places such as A Coruña, Palma, Valladolid, León, Bilbao, Tarragona, Zaragoza, Santander, Segovia, Soria and Valencia are all expected to offer good viewing conditions.
One standout location is Oviedo, where the total phase could last close to one minute and 48 seconds, making it one of the longest viewing times in the country.
With the eclipse taking place at the height of summer, there is also a good chance of clear skies across much of Spain, although visibility will ultimately depend on local conditions on the day.
Images: Freepik / Borobia Astronomical Observatory
Address
Casas del Puente 3, Cartagena, Murcia, Spain, 30397Tel: +34 623 140 902
The Astronomy and Science Centre Foundation has star-themed events and activities to delight novices and experts of all ages
Astronomy Tours runs a whole host of astronomical activities and events in the Murcia Region, from astronomical observation sessions to a magical cruise under the stars, to really fire up an interest in the cosmic world beyond our atmosphere.
Their main base of operations is the Finca Astronomica, located close to the town of La Aljorra in the Campo de Cartagena, where you can join their astronomy tours either in the daytime or at night, all year round.
At the Finca, you’re welcomed with delicious food, drinks, a bonfire and a variety of astronomical tools and gadgets. In the summer season, they also have tours in other locations, including San Pedro del Pinatar, La Manga and Camposol, not to mention their unmissable cruise under the stars, which involves a nighttime cruise on the Mar Menor with tapas and drinks, plus a guided presentation of the night sky as you watch the galaxy glide by.
The Astronomy Tours and the Finca Astronomica are supported by the Astronomy and Science Centre Foundation, which was founded in 2019 by a group of astronomers and Starlight-certified guides and monitors in the astronomical observatories in Spain.The purpose of the Foundation is to promote the knowledge and interest in the field of astronomy and astronomy-related sciences, which covers areas such as physics, chemistry, biology, geology, but also history, archeology, urban and medical aspects of social life, literature, art, culture and (of course) astrology.
By promoting this knowledge and getting their customers interested in astronomy, the Foundation hopes to achieve higher goals such as bringing the stars a little closer to people, and helping them to understand the importance of caring about our planet and the whole human population as a one.
To achieve those goals, the Foundation organises its day- and nighttime activities and camps which are suitable for both children and adults, and as well as this they work with 
schools and organisations and write books for children to bring astronomy to the masses.
schools and organisations and write books for children to bring astronomy to the masses.As part of this mission, they’re creating an astronomically themed park right on the Costa Cálida called the Astronomy and Science Centre which has an observatory available to the public to see the stars and the planets, and where they also promote ecofriendly and sustainable activities and closeness to nature.
The Finca Astronomica even has its own friendly and well cared for animals which live in really big spaces where people can easily enter and interact with them in their own environment.
What’s more, you can get involved in all sorts of other fun and activities for all the family at the Finca Astronomica, including glamping under the stars, stroking the animals at their petting zoo and enjoying sports like darts, archery, nerf gun fights, and many more.
This year, Finca Astronomica is excited to unveil its very own Yurt Village. Alongside the beautifully crafted wooden glamping pods, the yurts combine traditional charm with all the modern comforts including double beds, cosy carpets and plenty of shelving for your personal belongings.
But that’s not all. Each yurt comes handily equipped with light and electricity, so that you can charge your devices even as you recharge your spirit under the vast, starry sky.
This summer season is about to come alive with regular tours happening three days a week, while Adult Only Fridays are just around the corner.
Tours are available in English, Spanish and Polish.
