Solar Eclipse on 12 August Will Cross Northern Spain

On 12 August 2026, residents and visitors across the Pyrenees will be able to observe a rare astronomical event – a solar eclipse. While the eclipse will be total in parts of northern Spain, Andorra and much of the French Pyrenees will experience a partial eclipse. On the evening of 12 August, the Moon will completely block the Sun along a narrow path crossing parts of Spain. According to Spain’s National Geographic Institute (IGN), the path of totality will cross the northern half of the country from west to east. Several major cities, including Oviedo, León, Bilbao, Zaragoza and Valencia, will lie within the path of totality. The European Space Agency (ESA) confirms that the total solar eclipse will be visible across northern Spain, as well as parts of eastern Greenland, western Iceland and north-eastern Portugal. Across most of Europe, including areas outside the path of totality, the eclipse will be partial. The event is of particular interest to the Pyrenees because the path of totality crosses northern Spain. However, the extent of the eclipse will vary significantly depending on the exact location. There will be no total solar eclipse in Andorra. The country lies outside the path of totality, meaning that the eclipse will be visible there only as a partial eclipse. The same applies to much of the French Pyrenees. On the Spanish side of the mountain range, however, observing conditions will vary considerably from one location to another. IGN notes that Spain lies towards the end of the eclipse’s path of totality. As a result, the Sun will be relatively low above the horizon during the event, making it particularly important to choose an observation point with an unobstructed view towards the western horizon. According to official IGN calculations, the eclipse will take place during the evening on the Iberian Peninsula. The exact timing of the beginning, maximum phase and end of the eclipse will vary depending on the location. In Burgos, for example, the eclipse will begin at 19:33 local time, with the maximum phase at 20:29. Totality will last approximately 104 seconds, while the Sun will be only around 8 degrees above the horizon. In A Coruña, the eclipse will begin at 19:31, reaching its maximum at 20:28. Totality will last approximately 76 seconds, with the Sun around 12 degrees above the horizon. Across Spain, the maximum duration of totality will be approximately 1 minute and 40 seconds. According to IGN, the 12 August 2026 eclipse will be the first total solar eclipse visible from Spain in more than a century. The next total solar eclipse visible from Spain will occur on 2 August 2027, followed by an annular solar eclipse on 26 January 2028. Spain will therefore experience an unusual sequence of major solar eclipses between 2026 and 2028. The European Space Agency warns that looking directly at the Sun is dangerous, including during a partial solar eclipse. Observers should use certified solar viewing glasses or other appropriate equipment specifically designed for observing the Sun. Ordinary sunglasses do not provide adequate protection. Spain’s National Geographic Institute has prepared a dedicated online resource allowing users to check the eclipse’s phases for individual locations, including the exact times of the beginning, maximum and end of the event. For residents and visitors to the Pyrenees, 12 August will offer an opportunity to witness one of the most spectacular astronomical events of recent years – with the exact experience depending on where they are located along the mountain range.The post Solar Eclipse on 12 August Will Cross Northern Spain first appeared on All PYRENEES.