Once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse to light up the Canary Islands
The skies above the Canary Islands will offer a rare sight next year, as a dramatic partial solar eclipse is set to be visible across the archipelago on 12th August 2026. Although it will not be seen in its totality from the islands, astronomers say the experience will still be breathtaking, with between 67% and 74% of the Sun covered by the Moon, depending on the island.
The timing makes it even more special, as the eclipse will take place just before sunset, creating one of the most memorable dusks in living memory. According to Nayra Rodríguez of the Canary Islands Astrophysics Institute (IAC), the event promises to combine the beauty of a partial eclipse with the warm tones of the evening sky, offering a natural light show unlike any other.
A rare celestial event
The last time a solar eclipse of this scale was visible from the Canary Islands was in 1959, and across Spain, a total eclipse hasn’t been observed since 1912. While parts of mainland Spain, such as the province of Teruel, will witness the eclipse in full, Canarian residents and visitors will still have the chance to enjoy a remarkable cosmic display.
For the islands, the partial eclipse will begin at 6:57 pm, reach its maximum at 7:53 pm, and end at around 8:44 pm, just as the Sun dips below the horizon.
Safety first
Experts are urging people to take great care when viewing the eclipse. The National Eclipse Commission has warned that looking directly at the Sun without protection can cause permanent eye damage. Only certified solar glasses or filters should be used; homemade methods or improvised materials are unsafe.
A double date with the sky
The excitement won’t end there. Just one year later, on 2nd August 2027, another solar eclipse will occur, with even greater coverage in the Canary Islands. That event will be fully visible across parts of southern Spain and North Africa, while the islands will once again experience a remarkable view of the phenomenon.
Why the Canaries?
With its clear skies, low levels of light pollution, and strong tradition of scientific research, the Canary Islands are recognised as one of the world’s best locations for astronomy. Home to some of the planet’s most advanced telescopes, the archipelago attracts both scientists and stargazers alike.
The eclipses of 2026 and 2027 will reinforce the Canaries’ status as a natural observatory, where science, culture, and the wonders of the universe converge. It will be a reminder that sometimes all you need to do is look up to witness nature at its most spectacular.
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