On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will occur in Tarragona. Unique and extraordinary. In the Netherlands, for example, the next eclipse will not be visible until the year 2135.
The last total solar eclipse in continental Europe took place in 1999. The one in Spain in 1959 and the previous one in 1912. But for the last solar eclipse in Tarragona we have to go back to the 19th century, specifically to 1860 (see drawing).
In short, a total solar eclipse is rare.
During the last solar eclipse, many people from several continents traveled to Texas in the United States to experience it. But in the summer of 2026 we will be able to enjoy this show from the terrace of our house in Tarragona, with a cold drink in hand.
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That will be a special experience. During a total solar eclipse, the environment changes completely. The temperature drops, the birds take shelter, the insects are silent and the stars become visible in the sky as if night had suddenly fallen.
One of the most impressive sights is the solar corona, the outer atmosphere of the Sun, which becomes visible as a radiant halo around an already eclipsed star.
Solar eclipse course
What exactly is a solar eclipse? During a solar eclipse, the moon covers the sun as seen from Earth. See the drawing below or the video at the end of this Blog. Only during a total solar eclipse does it cover the sun in its entirety.
In 2026, the total solar eclipse will pass mainly over the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean, but also over Greenland, western Iceland and northern Spain. See the photos below of the entire path of the solar eclipse, as well as those from northern Spain.
It is important to remain alert during the moment: the total solar eclipse in Tarragona lasts exactly 1 minute and 2 seconds. Fortunately, the time is known: 8:30 p.m.
If you look up at the sky during the solar eclipse in Tarragona, you will suddenly be able to see Jupiter clearly. As long as there are no clouds, but with a daily average of 11 hours of sunshine in August, that probability seems very high.
Below is another simulation of the moving solar eclipse expected in 2026. Below is a video with an explanation and images of a solar eclipse.
In the Netherlands, the next solar eclipse will not be visible until the year 2135. Perhaps it is worth considering coming to see it in Tarragona 😊
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