Spain will experience a rare astronomical trilogy of solar eclipses between 2026 and 2028, according to Rafael Bachiller, director of the Spanish National Astronomical Observatory. This sequence includes a total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, another total eclipse on August 2, 2027, and an annular solar eclipse on January 26, 2028.
August 12 Total Solar Eclipse: Path of Totality in Spain
The first event occurs on August 12, 2026, with the “path of totality”—where the Moon covers 100% of the Sun—stretching across La Coruña, León, Bilbao, Zaragoza, and Palma de Mallorca. While these regions will experience total darkness, the rest of the peninsula will see between 92% and 99% obscuration.
Bachiller emphasizes that the difference between 99% and 100% is significant. At 99%, the sky resembles a very cloudy day. At 100%, the solar corona becomes visible, planets and bright stars appear, and the environment shifts to a twilight state.
Pro Tip: Because the August 12 eclipse happens minutes before sunset, observers must find a western horizon clear of mountains, buildings, or vegetation to avoid blocking the Sun.
The 2027 and 2028 Solar Events
The second event arrives on August 2, 2027. The umbra will project primarily over the south of the peninsula, specifically affecting Cádiz, Málaga, Granada, and Almería. The path of totality for this event will be more restricted, concentrated around the Strait of Gibraltar.
The sequence concludes on January 26, 2028, with an annular solar eclipse. This phenomenon will move from west to east across the south of the peninsula, visible in cities such as Seville, Málaga, Murcia, and Valencia. In this event, the Moon covers roughly 80% of the solar disk, leaving a visible “ring” or corona.
According to Bachiller, observers in high-percentage zones may see “Baily’s Beads,” which are chains of light points that pass through the mountains of the Moon’s surface, appearing like diamonds.
Did you know? This trilogy is an extreme rarity. The last total solar eclipse visible from the Spanish peninsula occurred in 1912; the most recent total eclipse seen in Spain was in 1959, but only from the Canary Islands.
Critical Eye Safety and Observation Rules
Using non-certified filters—such as sunglasses, welder’s masks, X-rays, or homemade filters—can cause partial or total blindness. Bachiller warns that these injuries are often painless at the moment of occurrence, meaning damage is only noticed hours later.
Certified eclipse glasses are mandatory for both viewing and photography. The only safe time to remove eye protection is during the brief window of totality, when the solar disk is completely hidden by the Moon.
Scientific Value of Natural Eclipses
Despite the existence of space satellites and coronagraphs, Bachiller states that natural eclipses remain “great natural laboratories.” They provide unique conditions to study the inner solar corona and the solar magnetic field.
Scientists also use these events to monitor terrestrial reactions, including changes in wind, temperature, the ionosphere, and the behavior of animals during sudden darkness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Spanish cities will see the 2026 total eclipse?
Totality will be visible in La Coruña, León, Bilbao, Zaragoza, and Palma de Mallorca.
What is the difference between a total and an annular eclipse?
In a total eclipse, the Moon completely covers the Sun. In an annular eclipse, the Moon covers most of the Sun but leaves a bright ring of the solar disk visible.
Can I use regular sunglasses to watch the eclipse?
No. According to the Spanish National Astronomical Observatory, only homologated glasses are safe. Regular sunglasses can lead to permanent eye damage.
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