Overview
- The total solar eclipse on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, will cross a narrow corridor from Galicia to Castellón and the Balearic Islands, with totality lasting under two minutes at most locations.
- National and regional agencies have published operational measures, including a DGT resolution with temporary traffic restrictions, RENFE service reinforcements and a Preemergencia activation to coordinate mobility and emergency response.
- Health authorities and ophthalmologists warn that only ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses and proper solar filters are safe, and they urge anyone who viewed the Sun without protection to seek urgent ophthalmic care.
- The national government and ONCE are distributing two million certified eclipse glasses while Catalunya will hand out 150,000 at 23 official observation points; public outreach and official viewing sites aim to reduce unsafe, improvised viewing.
- Scientific and tourism activity is rising: Catalunya’s SOLARIS citizen‑science app has passed 1,000 downloads, travel bookings have surged and officials warn the influx of visitors could strain local services and raise fire and crowd‑safety risks.