Spain to witness a stunning partial solar eclipse this month
On March 29, the moon will partially obscure the sun, creating a breath-taking event visible across Spain - here’s how to watch it safely
Spain is about to experience a spectacular astronomical event - a partial solar eclipse. Here's how and when you can watch it safely without missing a thing.This stunning phenomenon will be visible in various places around the world and if you´re in Spain, you definitely won't want to miss it. In just a few days, the Moon will glide across the Sun, partially obscuring it and creating a mesmerising sight. So, if you´re into astronomy, jot down the date - this is one event worth watching!
Unlike a total eclipse, this event won't completely darken the sky. Instead, part of the Sun will remain visible, casting a gentle shadow over the Earth. Astronomers have already pinpointed the exact timing - now it's simply a matter of getting ready to watch it safely with the right protection.
What is a partial solar eclipse?
A partial solar eclipse happens when the moon moves between the Earth and the sun but doesn't completely block it. This leaves part of the sun's surface exposed, creating a striking celestial display.
How much of the Sun you will see depends on where you are. The closer you are to the centre of the eclipse path, the more of the Sun will be covered by the Moon. However, it will never fully block the Sun - unlike with a total eclipse.
When and where to see the eclipse
Mark the date! The partial solar eclipse will take place on March 29, 2025, and will be visible from various parts of Spain. The event will begin in the morning, with the peak time varying depending on where you are.
- Iberian Peninsula – Western cities will see it first, with Pontevedra (Galicia) at 10:42 a.m., Madrid at 10:48 a.m., and Barcelona at 11:02 a.m.
- Canary Islands – The eclipse will start around 10:15 a.m., peak at 11:04 a.m., and finish by 11:56 a.m.
If you're in Spain, make sure you find a good viewing spot and use proper eye protection to safely enjoy the show!
The maximum partial eclipse will take place around 11:30 a.m. (peninsular time), when the Moon will cover most of the sun visible in Spain. The amount of coverage will vary by region, but the eclipse will be visible across the entire country.
How to safely watch the eclipse
Watching a solar eclipse requires the right precautions to protect your eyes. The safest way to observe it is by using eclipse glasses certified to ISO 12312-2 standards, which filter out harmful rays from the Sun.
Don't use regular sunglasses or equipment like cameras, binoculars, or telescopes without proper solar filters, as they can cause serious eye damage. If you don't have these special glasses, a safe alternative is to observe the eclipse indirectly through a pinhole projection or by just looking at the shadow cast from the trees.
If the weather decides to turn bad and make it hard to view the eclipse in person, you can still watch the event live through online platforms and astronomical observatories.
Differences between the types of solar eclipses
Solar eclipses actually come in a few different styles based on how much sunlight gets blocked:
- Total: The Moon completely covers the Sun, allowing us to see the Sun's corona.
- Annular: In this case, the Moon is a bit further away from the Earth, so it doesn't totally block the Sun, leaving a visible ´ring of fire´ around it.
- Hybrid: This is a mix of total and annular and what you see depends on where you are.
The eclipse happening on March 29 will be partial, which means that the Sun won´t be fully obscured. Even so, it is still going to be an exciting event that will give astronomy lovers a chance to witness something truly remarkable.
Image: Juan Carlos Duran/Pexels
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