Spain Forms Special Commission for Historic Triple Eclipse
A commission comprising representatives from thirteen government ministries and scientific institutions, including the Canary Islands Astrophysics Institute (IAC), will coordinate preparations for an extraordinary astronomical event—three consecutive solar eclipses visible from Spain over the next three years. The Spanish Council of Ministers recently approved a royal decree establishing this interministerial body to oversee logistics, safety, and public engagement for what scientists are calling an unprecedented “eclipse trio.”
Celestial Spectacle Draws Global Attention
The eclipse series—two total solar eclipses (2026 and 2027) and one annular eclipse (2028)—is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to prime viewing locations across Spain. According to the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, these events will require massive coordination for crowd management, transportation, and public safety, particularly in areas where the eclipses will appear in totality.
Logistical Challenges and Safety Measures
The commission, chaired by Science Secretary Juan Cruz Cigudosa and co-led by the Ministry of Transport, will implement critical measures including: securing safe viewing areas with basic amenities, preventing wildfires in crowded observation zones, and educating the public about eye protection. Unlike lunar eclipses, solar eclipses require special precautions—viewers must never look directly at the sun without proper filters.
Rare Astronomical Events for Spain
Spain last witnessed an annular eclipse in 2005 and a total eclipse (visible only from the Canary Islands) in 1959. The mainland hasn’t experienced a total solar eclipse since 1912—a drought that will end spectacularly with three events:
- Total eclipse: August 12, 2026 (first visible from Iberian Peninsula in 114 years)
- Total eclipse: August 2, 2027
- Annular eclipse: January 26, 2028
Planning Your Eclipse Experience
The National Geographic Institute has launched a dedicated website (eclipses.ign.es) with interactive tools to help observers plan their viewing from any location in Spain. With the two total eclipses occurring during summer—when clear skies are most likely—this celestial trilogy promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for both astronomers and casual stargazers alike.
