People across the Canary Islands will be able to enjoy a partial solar eclipse on 12th August, with around 70% of the Sun expected to be covered by the Moon. To help people watch the event safely, Tenerife's Museum of Science and the Cosmos is giving away free certified eclipse glasses while stocks last.
The free glasses will be available from today (Monday) as part of the national "A Unique View. Protect It" campaign, organised by Spain's Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, ONCE, and the Association of Science and Technology Museums and Centres.
Although the eclipse will be total across parts of mainland Spain, it will only be seen as a partial eclipse from the Canary Islands. Even so, it is expected to be one of the most impressive astronomical events visible from the islands in recent years.
Experts are urging people not to look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection. Astrophysicist Oswaldo González Sánchez, from the Museum of Science and the Cosmos, warned that homemade methods such as smoked glass, X-ray film or exposed photographic film do not provide adequate protection and could cause permanent eye damage.
The eclipse will be visible in the Canary Islands from 7:57pm until sunset. Viewers are advised to choose a location with a clear view of the western horizon, as mountains, valleys and other natural features could block the view in some areas, particularly on the eastern sides of the larger islands.
The event is the first in a remarkable series of three major solar eclipses visible from Spain between 2026 and 2028, including two total eclipses and one annular eclipse. A partial lunar eclipse will also be visible from the Canary Islands around two weeks later during the full moon.
If you plan to watch the eclipse, make sure you use certified eclipse glasses or another approved solar viewing method. Looking directly at the Sun without proper protection can seriously damage your eyesight, even during a partial eclipse.
