Watch the entire photo voltaic eclipse with ESA in León

On 12 August, thousands and thousands of individuals throughout Europe will look to the sky to witness one in every of nature’s most spectacular phenomena: a complete photo voltaic eclipse. For a lot of, it will likely be their first alternative to expertise one.

Northern Spain might be among the finest locations on the earth to expertise totality – when the Moon utterly covers the Solar. Totality will solely be seen from Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain and a small space of northeastern Portugal. To mark this extraordinary event, ESA, along with the Metropolis of León and the College of León, is organising a free public occasion on the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos de León.

The occasion will carry collectively scientists, engineers and astronomy specialists, who will information guests via the science behind the eclipse with interactive actions, talks and dwell observations all through the day. It is going to be a novel alternative to expertise totality alongside the individuals who research the Solar and our Universe each day.

The complete programme is freed from cost and open to all, with no registration required.

A full day of area actions

From 10:00–14:00 CEST, guests can discover a variety of hands-on workshops, experiments and interactive actions designed for all ages.

From the science of the Solar and eclipses to Europe’s area missions, aerospace engineering and the historical past of astronomy, the daytime programme provides one thing for households, area fanatics and anybody interested in how we discover and perceive our Universe.

Within the late afternoon, the programme strikes open air. Gates open at 17:30 CEST, giving guests loads of time to discover a place earlier than the principle stage programme begins at 18:30 CEST.

The night programme combines science talks and knowledgeable commentary to information guests via each stage of the eclipse, explaining what is going on within the sky and why the 12 August 2026 eclipse is such a outstanding occasion.

Programme

From family workshops and interactive demonstrations in the daytime to an evening of science and eclipse observation, here is what visitors can expect throughout the day:

A DAY OF SCIENCE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Indoor area of the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos, León
10:00–14:00 CEST

Enjoy workshops, experiments and hands-on activities for all ages. Discover the science of the Sun and eclipses, explore space through play and experimentation, and learn how to observe the eclipse safely.

EXPERIENCE THE ECLIPSE WITH US
Outdoor area of the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos de León
17:30–21:45 CEST

Before you come 

• Arrive early to make the most of the day’s activities and secure a good viewing spot before the evening stage programme begins.
• Use certified eclipse glasses whenever any part of the Sun is visible. Only during totality, when the Moon completely covers the Sun, is it safe to look directly at the eclipse without eye protection.
• Bring water, suncream and a hat for the observation, as temperatures can be high.
• Check this page regularly for the latest programme updates and practical information.

Can’t join us in León?

If you are unable to join us in León, you can also follow the eclipse through ESA’s live broadcast from the Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre in Teruel, Spain.

The broadcast will be available in English on ESA Web TV and YouTube from round 19:30 CEST on 12 August. Extra data might be printed quickly.

If you’re a member of the media and wish to cowl both occasion, please go to our media platform for registration particulars.