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Explore with us the most spectacular astronomical event: a total solar eclipse

Come and enjoy one of nature's most spectacular events: a solar eclipse. And in Spain, we're in for a treat, astronomically speaking, as there will be three solar eclipses in 2026, 2027, and 2028. Each one will be visible from different locations across the country. The next one visible from northern Spain will occur during sunset on August 12, 2026.

The dates of the eclipses:

During the next three years, we will be able to see two total solar eclipses and one anular eclipse visibles from different points in Spain.

August 12, 2026: Total solar eclipse (red area)

August 2, 2027: Total solar eclipse (blue area)

January 26, 2028: Annular solar eclipse (green area)

These will be astronomical events of great national and international interest, and a massive influx of visitors from around the globe is expected. Amateur astronomers, photographers, and nature lovers will gather at the venues that various public and private entities are providing for these events.

How is a solar eclipse formed?

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, blocking the solar disk and casting a large shadow that darkens the day for a few minutes. If the solar disk is only partially covered, it is called a partial eclipse, but if it is completely covered, it is a total eclipse. An annular eclipse can also occur when the Moon appears smaller than the Sun because the Sun is closer to Earth, allowing only the outer ring of the Sun to be visible. Eclipses happen two or three times a year (visible from different locations) each time the Moon's orbit around the Earth intersects the node (point of intersection) of Earth's orbit around the Sun.

Why is the eclipse of August 12, 2026, unique?

There are several reasons why this year's eclipse in Spain is unique and shouldn't be missed:

1. It will only be visible from Spain and a small region of Iceland, putting us in the global spotlight.

2. It will be a total eclipse, and the totality phase could last up to 2 minutes. During that time, day will turn into night, and animals will go to sleep...

3. It will happen almost at sunset, so we will have two sunsets very close together.

4. It is the first eclipse in Spain in 120 years. The last total solar eclipse visible in Spain was in 1905.

5. It takes place in August, during the holiday season, with warm and clear skies, family time...

6. It coincides with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, the most anticipated of the year due to its intense activity.

Necessary safety conditions:

To observe a solar eclipse directly (without optical instruments), ideal atmospheric conditions (completely clear skies) and adequate safety precautions are required. It is not advisable to make observations using photographic negatives, X-rays, or ordinary sunglasses. The only way to do so is by using certified eye protection that meets the ISO 12312-2 standard or a #14 welder's filter, and even then, direct exposure should be limited to a few seconds. Alternatively, you can use direct projection methods or follow the eclipse's progression using a video recorded directly from a telescope with special filter.

For observation with telescopes and/or binoculars, these must be protected with approved filters adapted and securely attached to the objective lens and never to the eyepiece.

The day of the eclipse:

At "astronomíaporuntubo," we are preparing a complete astronomic day so you can enjoy this event with your family and friends in complete safety and comfort. We've also chosen the location: it will be in the Sierrra de la Demanda (Burgps), where we can make unobstructed observations. Among other things, we've prepared:

Direct observation of the Sun with the provided approved glasses, by projection and also "in streaming".

Solar seminarin several shifts so you can observe with our telescopes adapted with special filters, the star, its spots, striations and granulations.

A 2.5-hour starry night session in which, guided by our star experts, you can take a tour of the celestial vault and observe planets and deep space objects with computerized reflecting telescopes.

Possibility of free camping under the stars with a small tent, family tent, camper or caravan.

In addition: reserved access for astronomy and/or photography professionals, entertainment activities, the possibility of reserving chairs, food included (depending on registration), discounts for large families...

Make your decision and request your reservation in advance, as there is limited capacity and due to the nature of the event there will be demand for registration in the coming months.

In the purchase area, you can find out about the different registration options and what each one includes.

More info & reservations

Request your reservation

for the next eclipse

Sign up for "star Fridays"!

As the autumn-winter season begins, we at "astronomíaporuntubo" want to bring the night sky to all the residents of Burgos who don't feel the cold at night. With lower temperatures, the atmosphere becomes more stable, allowing us to enjoy celestial objects with greater clarity and sharpness. What's more, the sky is different throughout the year, and many surprises await us this time of year!

Our meetings will take place on the first Friday of each month during the months of October - April and we will set up our equipment in our observation area, at 35 km from Burgos where we will begin to observe the celestial vault, the Moon, the planets and all the deep space objects available on each date.

Available dates