Overview
- The total solar eclipse will cross parts of Spain on August 12, 2026, with Balearic islands seeing totality near sunset and regional tools such as the Horitzó/Horizonte Eclipse 2026 app now available to help people pick safe viewing spots.
- Regional governments have set official observation sites and arranged mass distribution of ISO 12312-2:2015 certified eclipse glasses to reduce unsafe viewing and unnecessary travel.
- Safety planning is uneven: Tres Cantos cancelled its municipal eclipse festivities over wildfire concerns and ASEM 112 reported only about 30 of 52 Madrid-region observation municipalities had submitted the required emergency plans.
- Scientists will use the event for research—Meteocat will launch three radiosonde balloons from the Observatori de l'Ebre and Catalunya is running the SOLARIS citizen-science effort—while experts warn unfiltered cameras and phones can suffer irreversible sensor damage.
- Large visitor flows to rural observation points could strain already stretched fire and emergency services, so expect local cancellations, restricted access or tightened evacuation plans and for authorities to emphasize eye protection, device filters and safe behaviour.