Spain's total solar eclipse 2026 comes with a catch — here's how to avoid ruining your view
Space.com ·
On Aug. 12, 2026, millions of people across Spain will witness a solar eclipse. Trouble is, some will think they're seeing the main event when they're not, while others will have their view of the …
On Aug. 12, 2026, millions of people across Spain will witness a solar eclipse. Trouble is, some will think they're seeing the main event when they're not, while others will have their view of the all-important, 100% eclipsed sun blocked by mountains or clouds. This is the first total solar eclipse visible from mainland Europe since 1999 , with much of northern Spain within the path of totality. However, this eclipse happens extremely late in the day, with the eclipsed sun hanging low above the west-northwest horizon just before sunset. From Galicia and Asturias to Aragón, Valencia and the Balearic Islands, successful eclipse-chasing in Spain will depend far less on simply being within the path of totality than on precise positioning. Here are the biggest ways eclipse travelers could accidentally miss the spectacle — and how experienced eclipse chasers will plan to avoid disappointment. 1. Staying outside the path of totality A map of the path of totality on Aug. 12, 2026. (Image credit: Created and annotated by Jamie Carter using MapHub.net. Source: Esri, Maxar, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community. Eclipse path from Xavier Jubier) If you hear anyone utter the immortal phrase "90% totality" or anything similar, scream. There is no such thing as partial totality — just a partial eclipse and a total eclipse. On Aug. …
Original source: Space.com