Total solar eclipse to cross Spain, Iceland and Greenland in August
A total solar eclipse will cross mainland Spain on March 29, 2025, marking the first such event visible from the Iberian Peninsula since the August 1912 eclipse. The shadow’s path will begin over the Atlantic coast near Cádiz, sweep northeast across Andalusia, Castilla‑La Mancha and Valencia, and exit the country near Barcelona, offering up to two minutes of totality for observers within the narrow corridor. Astronomers and tourism officials have confirmed that the eclipse will be observable under clear skies in most of the region, and authorities are urging the public to use certified solar‑filter glasses to protect eyesight.
A second total solar eclipse, projected for August 12, 2026, will follow the 2025 event with a longer duration of totality—up to three minutes—affecting a broader swath of Spain that includes the Balearic Islands and parts of the mainland. Both eclipses are expected to attract significant scientific interest, as researchers plan to study solar corona dynamics and test instrumentation, while local economies anticipate a surge in visitors seeking optimal viewing locations. Preparations are underway to coordinate safety measures, traffic management and public outreach, positioning Spain for a historic period of astronomical observation.