The next total solar eclipse will be visible from Catalonia on August 12, 2026
• Catalonia will witness the first total solar eclipse visible from the region since 1905
• The path of totality will cross the southern part of Catalonia, with the southern counties of Tarragona being one of the prime locations to observe the event
• Phenomena such as the solar corona or Baily’s beads are only visible during totality, meaning that even a 99.9% partial eclipse prevents their full perception
On the afternoon of August 12, 2026, the sky over Catalonia will showcase one of the most spectacular astronomical phenomena: a total solar eclipse. For the first time in 121 years, the Moon will completely cover the Sun from a part of the region, darkening the sky and briefly turning day into night.
Total solar eclipses are rare events and can only be observed from a very specific (and narrow) strip of the Earth. The last total solar eclipse visible from Catalonia occurred on August 30, 1905. In this case, the path of totality will cross the southern third of the region, with cities like Tarragona and Lleida enjoying a full view of the phenomenon (see image below).
The eclipse will take place in the late afternoon, between 7:30 PM and 9:00 PM, depending on the location. The path of totality, the most anticipated moment, will last up to 1.5 minutes in some areas of southern Tarragona. At the moment of totality, the Sun will be at an altitude of less than 5 degrees (a common astronomical measurement indicating it will be very close to the horizon), which may affect visibility depending on the area’s topography.
As we move northward, the eclipse will be partial, with the Sun becoming progressively less covered by the Moon. For example, in Barcelona, 99.7% of the Sun will be obscured, while in Girona, this percentage will drop to 98.8%. Although these figures suggest an almost total darkness, even 0.1% of the Sun remaining visible (i.e., 99.9% partiality) prevents the observation of key phenomena characteristic of a total eclipse. These include the Sun’s outer atmosphere (the corona), which becomes visible only when the Sun is completely obscured, and Baily’s beads—small “drops of light” that appear around the Moon due to its irregular terrain (see image above).
The Partial Eclipse of March 29 and the Importance of Safe Observation
Despite their spectacular nature, solar eclipses require great caution when observing them. Looking directly at the Sun without proper protection can cause severe eye damage. Even in the case of a partial solar eclipse, such as the one on March 29, which will also be visible from Catalonia (with a maximum obscuration of around 15%), it is essential to use certified solar filters—such as specially approved eclipse glasses—or indirect viewing methods, such as projection through specialized telescopes.
An Event with Social and Scientific Impact
The last total solar eclipse visible from Catalonia occurred on August 30, 1905. Due to the rarity of such events, thousands of people are expected to travel to the path of totality to witness it firsthand.
Past eclipse experiences worldwide suggest that these events generate a large influx of visitors, leading to high demand for accommodations and a significant increase in traffic. The main challenges typically arise during the return journey, as many people leave at the same time, whereas arrivals tend to be more staggered. For this reason, it will be crucial for authorities to plan mobility and infrastructure management effectively to prevent congestion and ensure a safe observation experience.
Even for a partial eclipse, such as the one on March 29, it is essential to use certified solar filters—such as specialized eclipse glasses—or indirect viewing methods, like telescope projection. The Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia is available to assist and support local administrations in implementing safety measures and ensuring the accurate dissemination of information for a safe eclipse observation.
Contacts
IEEC Communication Office
Castelldefels, Barcelona
E-mail: comunicacio@ieec.cat
About the IEEC
The Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC — Institut d’Estudis Espacials de Catalunya) promotes and coordinates space research and technology development in Catalonia for the benefit of society. IEEC fosters collaborations both locally and worldwide and is an efficient agent of knowledge, innovation and technology transfer. As a result of more than 25 years of high-quality research, done in collaboration with major international organisations, IEEC ranks among the best international research centres, focusing on areas such as: astrophysics, cosmology, planetary science, and Earth Observation. IEEC’s engineering division develops instrumentation for ground- and space-based projects, and has extensive experience in working with private or public organisations from the aerospace and other innovation sectors.
The IEEC is a non-profit public sector foundation that was established in February 1996. It has a Board of Trustees composed of the Generalitat de Catalunya, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech (UPC), and the Spanish Research Council (CSIC). The IEEC is also a CERCA centre.