Advertisement

Top tips for seeing the solar eclipse in Spain

Jessica Jones
Jessica Jones - [email protected]
Top tips for seeing the solar eclipse in Spain
The last solar eclipse visible from Spain was in October 2005. Philippe Desmazes/AFP

On Friday Spain will witness the most spectacular eclipse in 10 years. The Local fills you in on where to get the best view.

Advertisement

What’s happening?

On the morning of Friday, March 20th, Europe will be plunged into dimness during the most complete solar eclipse in 10 years, when the moon passes in front of the sun. Spain last witnessed a solar eclipse in 2005. In 1999 Europe witnessed the last total eclipse of the millennium. 

When is it happening?

The eclipse can be seen in Spain between 8.57am and 11.29am on Friday March 20th. In Madrid, the eclipse will start at 9.04am and last until 11.18am. According to Spain's National Astronomical Observatory (OAN), the moment of maximum eclipse will happen at 10.08am (pictured). In Barcelona, the eclipse will begin at 9.11am and last until 11.27am. 

Where is the best place to watch the eclipse?

Local times of Friday's eclipse for cities throughout Spain.

While the eclipse will be visible across the entire country, the intensity will differ depending on where in Spain you are. A Coruña, in Galicia in the north east of the country will enjoy the best views of the eclipse (76 percent darkness), with the experience decreasing in intensity the further south you go. The Canary Islands will experience the lowest intensity eclipse with around 45 percent darkness. 

Will it even be that impressive?

It is not a total eclipse, so the effect will be much more gradual than an end-of-the-world plunge into darkness. "If it was a total eclipse like it will be in the Faroe Islands, it would be very noticeable, but (here in Spain) it will be much more gradual," astronomer Mario Tafalla told the Spanish Huffington Post. 

How should I watch it?

You should watch the eclipse through special eclipse glasses, never look directly into the sun. (Eclipse glasses are selling out quickly online, so check out local tourist shops, as well as photographic shops to see if they are stocking them.) Alternatively, here's a handy guide on how to make a pinhole viewer, another way to safely watch the eclipse: 

Cameras and phones should also not be pointed directly at the sun, which could damage their lenses - make sure to protect your camera equipment on Friday. 

And for those of you who want a more graphic example of Friday's eclipse...

More

Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.

Please log in to leave a comment.

See Also