The sky gave us a gift.
Now it is ours to keep.
First, a fleeting diamond ring. Then, totality with its majestic solar corona, which left the south of Catalonia in darkness on a summer afternoon, and a neon-red solar prominence peeking out on the left side. Next, a second diamond ring, even brighter, left us utterly moved and astonished.
There are things no camera can capture, things only the human eye, and those who were there, could truly live.
From the 1905 eclipse we have barely any records left. That will not happen with 2026: the historical archive is now open, and we are building it together.
Share your dedication, reflection or feeling on the Eclipse Voices wall and receive your digital observer badge. Or upload your photo, your video or your astrophoto: 221 views from the place where it was lived, the streets, people looking up at the sky, even the art it inspired.
What is a total solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon sits exactly between the Earth and the Sun, hiding it completely for a few minutes. At that moment the sky darkens, day turns into night, and the solar corona appears — the halo of light surrounding the Sun, invisible under any other circumstance.
Although a total eclipse happens somewhere in the world roughly every year and a half, the band where it is visible is so narrow that from any single point on Earth it can only be seen about once every 350 years. Catalonia has the extraordinary luck of hosting the next one on August 12, 2026.
visible in Catalonia
August 30
are waiting for
August 12
visible in Catalonia
November 17
2180
More than two centuries later
What happened
exactly?
The Moon covered the Sun 100%
Not 99%. The full 100% made the sky darken like night, the stars appear, and the solar corona become visible to the naked eye. The difference was total and absolute.
Up to 98 seconds of totality
It depended on where you were within the band. La Sénia and Alcanar had the longest duration. Every second in the right spot was irreplaceable: there won't be another chance until 2180.
August 12, 2026 · ~8:30 PM
It happened at dusk, with the Sun near the horizon. A sunset those who saw it won't forget. Throughout the eclipse, ISO 12312-2 certified glasses were essential, without exception.
The path of totality
in Catalonia
The path of totality, about 200 km wide (IEEC), crossed southern Catalonia diagonally, from northwest to southeast. Lleida was at the northern edge. Barcelona was outside. The Terres de l'Ebre had the longest duration. Any point inside the path with a clear horizon to the west (azimuth ~286°) was astronomically valid.
Barcelona (~93% coverage) and Girona (~91%) saw a spectacular partial eclipse but NOT totality. Without totality there was no solar corona, no Baily's beads, no diamond ring, and the sky did not fully darken. The difference between 99% and 100% was absolute: they are completely different phenomena.
Those who travelled to the path lived it; those who stayed in the partial zone did not. The next total eclipse in Catalonia will not come until 2180.
ⓘ The Generalitat set up 18 logistical points to manage public turnout. Astronomically, any place inside the path with a clear horizon to the west (azimuth ~286°) was equally valid. Explore all the points →
Sources: IGN · ServiAstro / UB · IEEC / Generalitat
Could the Sun be seen
from your spot?
Being inside the path was not enough: the Sun sat about 5° above the horizon to the west (azimuth ~286°, IGN data), and any mountain, building or tree in that direction could block it. This map shows the official IEEC visibility calculation, point by point: gold = suitable, the Sun was seen during totality · grey = not suitable, the terrain blocked it.
Search for the municipality where you'll be staying or where you planned to go: even if it's inside the path, the terrain may make it unsuitable for observation. Find out here and secure your spot before the event.
Shadow map and official points: IEEC / Generalitat de Catalunya (Jul 2026, ~145 m resolution) · Durations: IGN · Base cartography OpenStreetMap / CARTO · Original work eclipsi26.com
~93% partial coverage
✗ No diamond ring · ✗ No total darkness
An interesting visual spectacle, but not comparable to totality. If you can travel, do it. Just 1-2h by car to the path.
See where to stay →~91% partial coverage
✗ No diamond ring · ✗ No total darkness
91% sounds like a lot, but the remaining 9% changes everything. The next real chance will be in 2180.
See where to stay →ⓘ The eclipse will be 100% total only in Lleida and Tarragona — the only Catalan provinces inside the path of totality. See full guide →
MAP
2026
Official data: Instituto Geográfico Nacional · Observatorio Astronómico Nacional →
DOWNLOAD
THE FREE MAP
The 221 municipalities of Catalonia where the eclipse will be 100% total, with exact totality times, schedules and safety tips. Official data from the Instituto Geográfico Nacional. A PDF to print or save on your phone.
They all receive totality, but with the Sun at 5° or less not all are suitable for observing it: make sure you have a clear horizon to the west (azimuth ~286°).
Instant download when you complete the form
Remember this
moment forever
Available now72 full-color pages. Science, mythology, natural history and the eclipse's energies over animals, seas and people. Includes activities for children, an eclipse diary and a keepsake section to preserve the memory of your unique experience. This 2026 is the moment to get your copy for posterity. Free shipping within Spain.
Everything you
are wondering
Yes, always and at all times. The glasses must be ISO 12312-2 certified. Regular sunglasses do not protect you and can cause permanent eye damage in seconds. They must be worn throughout the entire eclipse without exception.
No. Barcelona will see a partial eclipse of about 93% solar coverage — no solar corona, no Baily's beads, no diamond ring and no total darkness. The difference between 99% and 100% is absolute: they are completely different phenomena. To experience totality you need to travel to the province of Tarragona or Lleida, just 1-2h away by car. If you have the chance to travel, do it — the next one won't come until 2180.
The partial eclipse begins around 7:32 PM. Totality occurs between roughly 8:28 PM and 8:31 PM, depending on the municipality. The eclipse ends around 9:15 PM. It happens at dusk: the Sun will be about 5° above the horizon to the west (azimuth ~286°, IGN data). You need a clear horizon in that direction, with no mountains, buildings or trees.
The eclipse still happens, but you won't be able to see the solar corona. You will notice the sudden darkness and the drop in temperature. Check the weather forecast in the days before and consider moving to a clearer area within the path of totality if needed.
The last one was on August 30, 1905. That was 121 years ago. The next total eclipse visible from anywhere in Catalonia won't happen until November 17, 2180. After that you'd have to wait more than two centuries: the next will be in 2433. These dates explain why the eclipse of August 12, 2026 is the astronomical event of our generation.
The solar corona is the Sun's outer atmosphere, normally invisible because the Sun's brightness hides it completely. The seconds of totality are the only moment it can be seen with the naked eye: a halo of white, iridescent light around the Moon. Extraordinarily beautiful and unrepeatable. Only visible if you are inside the path of totality.
Glasses
always
on
Looking at the Sun without protection can cause permanent blindness in seconds. Wear ISO 12312-2 certified glasses throughout the entire eclipse, at all times, without exception.
Glasses with certified ISO 12312-2 approval
Certified solar filters for telescope or camera
Conventional sunglasses — no level of protection
X-rays, smoked glass or homemade filters
ISO 12312-2 certified packs · Amazon
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