A Rare Astronomical Event in the Mediterranean
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, August 12, 2026—a total solar eclipse will sweep across parts of Europe, including Mallorca, offering a stunning, unforgettable experience at sunset. It’s the first total solar eclipse visible from Spanish soil since 1905 and won’t occur again in Spain until 2053.
Why Mallorca Is a Prime Viewing Spot
Mallorca lies directly in the narrow path of totality, meaning observers there will witness the Moon completely obscuring the Sun—transforming day into an eerie twilight shortly before sunset. From Palma de Mallorca, totality begins around 20:31 local time, lasting approximately 1 minute and 36 seconds before ending at 20:32, with the Sun dipping below the horizon shortly after.
Snapshot of Eclipse Timing in Palma:
- Partial eclipse begins: ~19:38
- Totality begins: ~20:31
- Duration of totality: ~1 min 36 s
- Sunset follows shortly after
The Magic of a “Sunset Eclipse”
What sets this eclipse apart is its timing: the total phase occurs just as the Sun is descending toward the Mediterranean horizon. This is known as a sunset eclipse—a dramatic rarity where the darkened Sun and its glowing corona appear framed against the vivid colors of dusk. The unusual lighting conditions often make the corona appear tinted in fiery shades, adding to the otherworldly beauty.
Growing Buzz and Preparations on the Island
Interest in the eclipse is skyrocketing. According to Pep Marcús, a prominent astronomy educator and president of Mallorca’s Newton Astronomical Club, people have already begun visiting and reserving prime viewing spots on the island. Travel articles emphasize Mallorca as one of the sharpest eclipse-viewing locations, with many resorts along the path of totality seeing demand surge.
What’s at Stake—and How to Prepare
This is dubbed by many as the “eclipse of the century.” Spain plans to welcome thousands, if not millions, of visitors for this astronomical event. However, timing near sunset brings challenges: low-horizon visibility means hills, buildings, or trees can block the view. Observers are encouraged to choose open sites—such as beaches or flat terrain—with clear western horizons, and to use proper solar filters or eclipse glasses during the partial phases.
Final Thoughts: A Sunset You’ll Never Forget
If you’re on Mallorca on August 12, 2026, prepare for a rare celestial spectacle: for a brief moment, the sky will fade to dusk in daylight, the horizon will glow, and the Sun’s corona will appear like a halo around the Moon—set against the calming backdrop of the Mediterranean. It’s a fleeting, surreal experience—and one worth planning for now.
