21/05/2026
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Comply with the overall photo voltaic eclipse with the European House Company (ESA), in particular person or on-line.
On 12 August 2026, a photo voltaic eclipse can be seen throughout elements of Europe and the north Atlantic. The trail of totality will cross Greenland, Iceland, Spain and a small space of northeastern Portugal. Different elements of Europe will see a partial photo voltaic eclipse.
ESA is organising a spread of actions across the eclipse, combining scientific experience, public engagement, and academic outreach – see programme beneath. Throughout a complete photo voltaic eclipse, the Moon passes immediately in entrance of the Solar, blocking out most of its mild and permitting us to see the Solar’s fiery-looking environment. It’s a formidable spectacle, final seen from mainland Europe in 2006.
Through the upcoming eclipse, Spain will expertise the most important space of totality in Europe, providing beneficial viewing situations because the eclipse crosses the nation from west to east and continues over the Balearic Islands. This would be the first complete photo voltaic eclipse seen from mainland Spain since 1905, and the primary of three photo voltaic eclipses seen from the nation between 2026 and 2028.
As a shared expertise throughout Europe, the eclipse represents a singular second for tens of millions of individuals to witness this uncommon pure phenomenon collectively. It additionally gives an opportunity to expertise first-hand the main photo voltaic and area science underway in Europe, together with ESA missions learning the Solar and its interplay with Earth. Such missions embrace Photo voltaic Orbiter, Smile and Proba 3.
Professor Carole Mundell, ESA Director of Science, commented: “A complete photo voltaic eclipse is a kind of uncommon moments when tens of millions of individuals can lookup collectively and really feel each marvel and curiosity. It’s a shared second that connects us to the Universe and reminds us that the need to discover and perceive is certainly one of humanity’s biggest strengths.
“At ESA, our science missions have ventured deep into area to immediately probe the physics of the Solar and its results on Earth: we use moments like this to carry area science and expertise nearer to society, to encourage future generations and convey folks throughout Europe collectively by the thrill of discovery.”
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ESA actions on 12 August
Worldwide stay broadcast
ESA will host a stay broadcast from the Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre in Teruel (Spain), a top-class astronomical facility situated inside the band of totality, bringing collectively specialists to clarify the science behind the eclipse and its wider relevance. The printed can be obtainable in English through ESA Web TV and YouTube.
It is going to be hosted by Dame Dr. Maggie Aderin, award-winning area scientist and science communicator, and have Professor Carole Mundell (ESA’s Director of Science) amongst different particular company.
Public commentary in León
In parallel, ESA is getting ready a free public commentary programme within the metropolis of León, Spain, in collaboration with the College of León and town council. The initiative is designed to interact residents immediately with the science of the eclipse. It’s going to supply partaking talks about photo voltaic science and area missions from ESA specialists, alongside instructional actions and join with ESA’s stay broadcast. The entire programme can be performed in Spanish.
Additional particulars on the programme and the way to be part of us can be shared nearer to the date.
Instructional assets for faculties and the general public
ESA has produced a devoted educational kit, obtainable in English and Spanish through ESA platforms.
The supplies are designed for lecturers and outreach professionals, with content material tailored to totally different instructional ranges. They embrace clear explanations of the eclipse, steering on protected commentary, and ready-to-use assets to help actions with college students and most people.
The tutorial equipment can be complemented within the coming months by a sequence of articles and movies, together with info on the way to safely observe the eclipse.
Collaboration with nationwide initiatives
ESA is happy to have contributed to the official Spanish eclipse web site Trio of Eclipses, an initiative led by the Spanish authorities. Along with companions from the Spanish Scientific and Advisory Committee for the Trio of Eclipses, ESA has developed the scientific outreach section of the site, offering clear and correct content material to help public understanding of the eclipses.
Preparing for 12 August
Whether or not you might be observing the eclipse in particular person or following it remotely, ESA’s actions purpose that will help you expertise this distinctive occasion and higher perceive the science behind it.
Additional info, updates and assets associated to the eclipse can be obtainable on www.esa.int/solareclipse. From the primary ESA web site, audiences may also discover ESA missions learning the Solar and its interplay with Earth, together with Photo voltaic Orbiter, Smile and Proba 3.
Vital: Trying immediately on the Solar with out correct safety may cause severe eye injury. Common sun shades are usually not protected for observing a photo voltaic eclipse. To look at the eclipse safely, at all times use licensed eclipse glasses that meet the suitable security requirements and put on them always throughout the partial phases. Solely throughout totality – when the Moon fully covers the Solar – is it protected to briefly look with out safety. As quickly because the Solar begins to reappear, eclipse glasses have to be worn once more.
