Cargando
Zaragoza and the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse
What is an eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, and its shadow completely or partially blocks the sunlight reaching our planet. Imagine a switched-on torch—the Sun—a large ball—the Earth—and a smaller ball passing in front of it—the Moon. When all three are correctly aligned, the Moon casts its shadow over the Earth and, for a few minutes, daylight fades as though sunset were approaching.
When the alignment is perfect and the Moon completely covers the Sun, this is known as a total solar eclipse—the phenomenon that Zaragoza will experience on 12 August 2026.
Why this eclipse is exceptional
Solar eclipses are not rare in themselves: they occur several times a year somewhere on the planet. What makes the eclipse on 12 August 2026 a historic event is that Spain has not experienced a total eclipse of this kind since 1912, and a similar one will not occur again for many decades.
For this reason, it has become popularly known as "the Great Spanish Eclipse". It will make Spain—and the north and centre of the Iberian Peninsula in particular—one of the best places in the world from which to observe a total solar eclipse that day. It will also be the first total eclipse visible from the Iberian Peninsula in more than a century and will attract thousands of visitors, astronomers and eclipse enthusiasts from around the world.
The eclipse in Zaragoza
On 12 August 2026, Zaragoza will not simply be another city along the eclipse’s path: it will be one of the main locations in Spain from which to experience totality.
The Aragonese capital lies within the path of totality, the narrow band of land where the Moon will completely cover the Sun. This means that, unlike many other Spanish cities where only a partial eclipse will be visible, Zaragoza will experience complete darkness for just over a minute.
Full totality and clear skies
The city of Zaragoza lies within the path of totality. The Sun will be completely covered for approximately 1 minute and 23 seconds, beneath the clear skies and low levels of light pollution that are typical of the region in August.
A unique sunset
The eclipse will take place at sunset, with the Sun low on the western horizon. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar and the River Ebro will provide the backdrop to this extraordinary phenomenon.
A city ready to welcome visitors
A major, well-connected city, with hotels, public transport and services prepared to welcome thousands of visitors from across Spain and around the world.
Much more than an eclipse
UNESCO World Heritage, more than 2,000 years of history and one of Spain’s finest culinary scenes—Zaragoza is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.Check the shadow map
Would you like to see exactly how the Moon’s shadow will move across Zaragoza? Use the City Council’s interactive viewer to follow the shadow’s progress minute by minute across the city map.
The eclipse in Aragon
This will be the first total eclipse visible from the Iberian Peninsula in more than a century, and Aragon is a privileged location from which to observe it.
Aragon is preparing to host one of the most spectacular astronomical phenomena of recent decades. On 12 August 2026, a total solar eclipse will cross the region and totality will be visible from numerous locations throughout its territory.
This unique event will place Aragon at the centre of attention for visitors, astronomers and eclipse enthusiasts from around the world.
The eclipse in Spain
A total solar eclipse will cross northern Spain—from Galicia to the Balearic Islands—just before sunset. It will be a historic event, with the Sun becoming completely obscured close to the horizon and turning the end of the day into night.
The path of totality will cross the following autonomous communities:
Galicia, Asturias, Castile and León, the Community of Madrid, Castile-La Mancha, Cantabria, La Rioja, the Basque Country, Navarre, Aragon, Catalonia, the Valencian Community and the Balearic Islands.