- On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will cross the Iberian Peninsula, the first in 114 years.
- Eye safety is crucial: only ISO 12312-2 certified glasses protect the retina from irreversible damage.
- Local authorities distribute millions of glasses: 50.000 in Segovia, 7.000 in Pamplona, and observation points in Valencia, San Lorenzo and more.
- The University of Alcalá leads scientific research and offers guides for making homemade glasses.
On August 12, Spain will witness an astronomical phenomenon not seen on the peninsula for over a century: a total solar eclipse. Millions of people are preparing to experience this unique moment, but eye safety is the absolute priority to avoid irreversible damage.
From local governments to universities, the entire country has rallied around organizing activities, distributing certified eclipse glasses, and launching awareness campaigns. The path of totality will cross northern Madrid, Castile and León, and other areas , offering a spectacle of between 30 seconds and almost two minutes of total darkness.
A historic eclipse: 114 years later
The eclipse on August 12 will be the first total solar eclipse visible from the Iberian Peninsula since 1905. Although Spain will experience an unusual series of three solar eclipses between 2026 and 2028, this is the only total eclipse in that series. The duration of totality will vary depending on the location : in San Lorenzo de El Escorial it is estimated to last between 30 and 90 seconds, while in other areas it will reach up to 1 minute and 50 seconds, as experts from the University of Alcalá point out.
Eye protection: the key to enjoying yourself without risks
Looking at the sun without protection can cause serious and irreversible damage to the retina. Professor Elena Salobrar, from the Complutense University of Madrid, warns that ultraviolet and infrared light are imperceptible but very harmful , as they generate free radicals and can "cook" the retina. Astrophysicist Javier Armentia, former director of the Pamplona Planetarium, reminds us that the damage is cumulative and that just a few seconds of exposure is enough to cause retinopathy. Only during totality, when the Moon completely covers the solar disk, is it safe to look at the sun without glasses for a few moments. As soon as Baily's pearls or the diamond ring appear, you must put them back on immediately. Never use regular sunglasses, X-ray film, smoked glass, or homemade filters.
Mass distribution of glasses throughout Spain
Local councils and provincial governments have launched operations to ensure the public can safely observe the eclipse. The Segovia Provincial Council is distributing 50.000 free pairs of certified eclipse glasses (ISO 12312-2) , manufactured by the Segovian company Valor y Detalle, and has distributed an additional 1.500 pairs in the seven municipalities designated as safe viewing areas: Arcones, Ayllón, Boceguillas, Collado Hermoso, Otero de Herreros, Turégano, and Riaza. The Pamplona City Council will distribute 7.000 pairs of glasses to vulnerable populations . In Valencia, the city council has created a website with comprehensive information and an official viewing point on El Cabanyal and La Malva-rosa beaches, where restrooms, trash cans, and emergency services will also be available. San Lorenzo de El Escorial will distribute eclipse glasses at an information booth in front of the Casita del Infante on August 11 and 12.
Activities and observation points
Beyond distributing eclipse glasses, municipalities have organized activities to experience the eclipse as a social and family event. In Valencia, the city's website includes information on security measures, EMT bus lines (18, 19, 31, 32, 92, 93, 95, 98, and 99), and access to L'Albufera, where the CV-500 road closes at 18:00 PM. Information has also been published in easy-to-read format for people with disabilities. In Segovia, the Provincial Council has promoted astrotourism training and themed routes, and the seven designated municipalities have prepared their own activities. San Lorenzo de El Escorial, in the midst of its Patron Saint Festivities, is offering a family treasure hunt, "Eclipse Explorers," a children's workshop, "Build Your Solar System," an informative lecture, and astronomical face painting on the 12th. It is recommended to plan travel in advance and arrive at observation points with plenty of time.
Science and outreach: the University of Alcalá leading the way
For researchers at the University of Alcalá (UAH), the eclipse presents an exceptional scientific opportunity. The UAH radio telescope will extend its operation to record data, and the Space Weather group will install an H-alpha telescope in the province of Guadalajara to study the solar corona. Changes in luminosity will be measured with a photometer developed by the researchers themselves , and an attempt will be made to record the spectrum of the chromosphere in an international collaboration with scientists from Spain, France, Belgium, and China. Furthermore, the UAH has given talks in schools in Alcalá de Henares, Torrejón de Ardoz, and Guadalajara, and has made available to the public a guide for making homemade eclipse glasses, complete with a template and a link to purchase the appropriate solar filter. They also recommend observing the shadows cast by a colander or slotted spoon during the partial phase, which take on a crescent shape.
With eyes fixed on the sky, Spain is preparing for an event that combines excitement, science, and caution. The unanimous recommendation from experts and authorities is clear: use certified eclipse glasses, plan ahead, and enjoy the spectacle responsibly . Those unable to travel to the path of totality can follow the eclipse through official broadcasts or make their own glasses using available guides.