Spain’s Solar Eclipse Trilogy: A Spectacle Starting August 12

A rare phenomenon will unfold in the skies above Spain and North Africa between August 2026 and January 2028, as a trilogy of solar eclipses takes place. For amateur astronomers like Josep Masalles, who has spent his life chasing total solar eclipses, this is a dream come true – but for scientists, it’s an opportunity to study the sun’s corona and its effects on Earth.

The first eclipse will occur on August 12, visible from Galicia in northwest Spain to the Balearic Islands in the east. A second total eclipse will pass over southern Spain, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East on August 2, 2027. In January 2028, an annular eclipse will sweep across southwest to northeast Spain.

While most solar eclipses occur over oceans or sparsely populated areas, these rare events have been dubbed “spectacles” by astronomers due to their relatively high frequency and visibility. For Spain, in particular, this trilogy marks a significant exception – the last total solar eclipse visible from the Iberian Peninsula was in 1912.

Sandra Benitez Herrera, head of science communication and education at the European Space Agency (ESA), notes that “this configuration of the sun-Earth-moon system and the inclination of the orbits has allowed for Spain to have this trio.” The rare alignment will provide scientists with a unique opportunity to study the sun’s corona, its atmosphere, and its effects on Earth.

The impact of solar eclipses extends far beyond the scientific community. These events have a profound effect on people from all walks of life. Josep Masalles describes witnessing an eclipse as “a magical moment” that leaves people in awe of the universe’s grandeur and their own insignificance.

As total eclipses let loose a spectacle of the sun’s outer layers, they inspire millions to learn about astronomy and science. Events like these have been credited with sparking interest in STEM fields among young people, particularly in rural areas where access to educational resources may be limited.

The North African Telescope Eclipse project (NATE), led by the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC) in collaboration with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Morocco and the US National Solar Observatory, is an example of this global spirit. By bringing together scientists and high school students from Spain, Morocco, and the US to observe the corona, NATE aims to create a shared experience that transcends borders.

“This means a lot to me,” says Youssef Moulane, an astrophysicist at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University. “Growing up in a small village near Marrakesh, my community was initially fearful of eclipses – now, we’re inviting people to witness this spectacle and appreciate its beauty.”

The 2027 eclipse, dubbed “the eclipse of the century,” promises to be particularly remarkable due to its long duration at its peak over Egypt. With the moment of totality predicted to last more than six minutes, scientists will have an extended window to study the sun’s corona and its effects on Earth.

The combination of data from ground-based observations with data from space probes like ESA’s Proba-3 spacecraft and Solar Orbiter will provide a comprehensive understanding of space weather. This is crucial as we increasingly rely on satellites for communication, financial transactions, and monitoring climate change.

As scientists prepare to study this rare trilogy, they are also reflecting on its implications for our understanding of the universe and our place within it. The solar eclipse trilogy offers a unique opportunity for scientists, educators, and enthusiasts to come together in a shared experience that transcends borders. As we prepare to witness this rare spectacle, we are reminded of the awe-inspiring beauty of the universe and our own role within it.

As the skies above Spain and North Africa darken, we will be witnessing not only an incredible natural phenomenon but also a testament to human curiosity, collaboration, and the pursuit of knowledge. The solar eclipse trilogy is more than just a spectacle – it’s a reminder of our shared fascination with the mysteries of the universe and our place within its vast expanse.