Spain prepares observation of three rare solar eclipses between 2026 and 2028

An exceptional astronomical phenomenon will occur at Península Ibérica in the coming years. Entre 2026 and 2028, Espanha and Portugal will be able to observe three consecutive solar eclipses in a very short interval, characterizing what scientists call “the Trio of Eclipses”. Esta rare combination has been described by the scientific community as “the astronomical event of the century” in Europa, due to its temporal proximity and the extent of the territory from which it will be visible.

The magnitude of the event led the Spanish government to establish a comprehensive coordination structure. Uma Comissão Interministerial with the participation of 13 ministries, autonomous communities and municipal councils was created to manage security, mobility, public health and scientific dissemination. Espanha will be the only populated territory on the planet from which it will be possible to observe the total eclipse of August 2026, placing the country at the center of global scientific attention.

The August 2026 eclipse at sunset

The first of the three phenomena will occur on August 12, 2026, marking the first total solar eclipse visible on Espanha in more than a century. A total solar eclipse will cross the north of the country from west to east, from Galiza to Ilhas Baleares, just before sunset. The phenomenon will be particularly striking because the star will disappear completely below the horizon, transforming the end of the day into a sudden night in an unexpected way.

The range of totality will cover several Spanish regions. Affected territories include:

• Galiza
• Astúrias
• Castela and Leão
• Madrid
• Castela-La Mancha
• Aragão
• Catalunha
• Comunidade Valenciana

Muitos experts consider this to be one of the most photographically attractive eclipses of recent decades. The combination of totality and sunset creates unique visual conditions. Em Portugal mainland, the eclipse will also be observable, with specially planned events at Parque Natural of Montesinho, the only location in Portugal that will be in the zone of totality. Agência Ciência Viva organizes a program at Bragança’s Centro Ciência Viva from 6:30 pm on the day of the eclipse, in collaboration with Astrofísica’s Instituto and Espaço’s Ciências and Bragança’s Câmara Municipal.

The eclipse of August 2027: the culmination of the phenomenon

The highlight of the series will occur on August 2, 2027, an eclipse considered by the scientific community to be “the eclipse of the century.” Este phenomenon will stand out for its exceptionally long duration, with phases of totality that could exceed six minutes, something extremely rare in the history of solar eclipses. Apenas during very specific periods Lua can completely block the solar disk for so long.

Em Espanha, totality will be observed mainly in the south. The trajectory will pass through Estreito of Gibraltar and Mar of Alborão, affecting Andaluzia zones such as Cádis, Málaga, Granada and Almeria, as well as Ceuta and Melilha. Alguns points in these regions will be plunged into darkness for more than four minutes, creating an unparalleled visual and scientific experience. The exceptionally long duration will allow scientists to collect unique data about the solar corona and Earth’s environment.

The annular eclipse of January 2028

The series will conclude on January 26, 2028 with an annular solar eclipse, the third and final event in the sequence. Neste type of eclipse, Lua does not completely cover the solar disk, resulting in the spectacular visual phenomenon known as the “ring of fire” a luminous rim that surrounds the dark silhouette of Lua against the bright background of Sol.

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The annularity band will cross the peninsula from southwest to northeast. Territories in the eclipse’s path include Huelva, Badajoz, Sevilha, Cádis, Málaga, Córdoba, Granada, Jaén, Ciudad Real, Madrid, Toledo, Cuenca, Albacete, Teruel, Múrcia, Valência, Ilhas Baleares and south of Catalunha. Unlike total eclipses, there will be no total darkness during this event. The visual phenomenon will be remarkable nonetheless, with the creation of the spectacular luminous ring during winter.

Preparação government and scientific infrastructure

The Spanish government intensified its preparation to receive this historic event. Ministério of Transportes and Mobilidade Sustentável works on studies to anticipate mass movements towards the best observation areas and minimize the impact on roads, railways, airports and ports. Milhares of domestic and international visitors are expected at key observation points, particularly in 2026 and 2027.

The government chose Observatório of Yebes, in Guadalajara, as the official monitoring center for the 2026 total eclipse. The facilities, managed by Instituto Geográfico Nacional, will coordinate live broadcasts for national and international media. Observatório will be transformed into a scientific dissemination space open to the world, with the presence of Spanish astronauts from Agência Espacial Europeia and leading experts in astronomy and astrophysics.

A digital tool called the Hermes viewer was developed to allow interactive consultation of the trajectory of the 2026 eclipse, duration of totality and percentage of obscuration at each point in the territory. The platform integrates data on transport infrastructure, facilitating travel planning and decision-making by authorities and citizens. Todas practical and safety information is available on the official government website.

Segurança on eclipse observation

Safe observation of eclipses requires specific care. Olhar directly to Sol without adequate protection can cause irreversible damage to the retina, even during an eclipse. Apenas during the totality phase it is safe to observe the phenomenon with the naked eye, and this applies exclusively to moments of complete darkness. In all other phases, it is essential to use approved eclipse glasses or indirect methods such as image projection. Binóculos, telescopes or cameras should never be used without suitable solar filters that protect the equipment and the observer’s vision.

Durante eclipses, the surrounding environment offers unique spectacles beyond the solar disk. Mudanças sudden changes in light and temperature, undulating shadows on the ground and reactions of local fauna create a multisensory experience. The ministry of Ciência, Inovação and Universidades highlighted that observing eclipses advances science. Graças to these phenomena, Sol and the universe are better understood, allowing significant advances in the knowledge of the terrestrial environment and solar processes. With the necessary precautions, Trio by Eclipses promises to be a unique scientific and visual experience for Espanha and the global scientific community that will follow these historic events.