Total solar eclipse in Tarragona
- Hugo
- Oct 10, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
On August 12, a total solar eclipse took place in Tarragona. Spectacular, unique, and rare. In the Netherlands, the next total solar eclipse will not be visible until 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 travelled from different continents to Texas in the United States to experience it. But in the summer of 2026, we were able to enjoy this spectacular event from our own terrace at home in Tarragona, with a cold drink in hand.
It was a truly special experience. During the total solar eclipse, our surroundings changed completely. Darkness suddenly fell, the temperature dropped, the birds went completely quiet, and planets (especially Venus) and stars became visible in the sky, as if night had suddenly arrived.
At the beginning of this blog, you can already see a photo taken from our terrace. Below, you can also watch a 14-second time-lapse video, filmed from our terrace as well..
All of Spain captivated by the total solar eclipse
But Tarragona was not the only place completely captivated by the solar eclipse. Across Spain, people had been eagerly looking forward to it. For months beforehand, the media had been publishing special features about the eclipse. Record numbers of tourists visited Spain to witness the event as well.
It led to some remarkable scenes. In the Spanish village of Somosierra, north of Madrid, which has just 93 residents, around two thousand “eclipse tourists” descended on the village. There was also plenty of celebration, with “eclipse festivals” being held in many places across the country. During the eclipse, the sudden darkness also caused chaos on some roads.
Above all, however, the eclipse produced some spectacular images. Below is a selection of them (photos: La Vanguardia)
In the Netherlands, there was no total solar eclipse, as the Sun was “only” about 89% covered. Although this was a very different experience (with plenty of daylight remaining) it still generated a great deal of excitement. Many people headed to the beaches in particular to watch the partial solar eclipse. Below is a beautiful, typically Dutch image of the event (photo: Rianne Molenaar).
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 path of the total solar eclipse mainly crossed the Arctic region and the Atlantic Ocean, but also passed over Greenland, western Iceland, and northern Spain. Below, you can see images showing the full path of the solar eclipse, as well as its route across northern Spain.
Finally, below is a simulation showing the solar eclipse as it moves across the Earth.
In the Netherlands, the next total solar eclipse will not be visible until 2135. So there is plenty of time to prepare for the next one! 😊
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