The Canary Islands are putting the final touches on preparations for a rare astronomical event: a partial solar eclipse visible across the archipelago on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. Regional authorities, led by the Ministry of Tourism and the Museo Elder, have announced a coordinated plan for safe, accessible viewing. It includes up to 3,000 free eclipse glasses and eight official observation points, one on each island.
The eclipse will begin at approximately 18:55 and peak at 19:55, when the Moon will cover 77% of the Sun as seen from the islands. It will last nearly two hours, giving residents and visitors an extended chance to see the event. The Museo Elder says the Canary Islands’ geographic position allows for a particularly clear, prolonged view. At maximum coverage, the Sun will take on a distinctive crescent shape. The archipelago will see a partial eclipse, unlike places along the path of totality, where the Sun will be completely obscured. Across the wider event, the eclipse is expected to be visible in whole or in part across Europe, Greenland and Iceland, as well as northern Africa and the North Atlantic.
Officials say people can watch the eclipse from locations across the Canary Islands, including rooftops and beaches, as well as other public spaces. Weather forecasts predict clear skies, and the event will take place during daylight, minimizing the impact of light pollution. The eight designated “cosmic watchtowers” will offer expert guidance and distribute protective glasses. They include sites at Caleta de Sebo (La Graciosa), La Santa (Lanzarote), Poblado de Atalayita (Fuerteventura) and Tejeda (Gran Canaria), along with locations in Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro.
Authorities are urging the public to avoid mass gatherings at the official points, noting that the eclipse can be seen from across the islands. Local governments are coordinating with civil protection and law enforcement on logistics and safety protocols to prevent overcrowding. The eclipse’s extended duration allows people to stagger their viewing, reducing the need for large groups to converge at specific sites.
Safety remains a top priority. Viewers should use certified solar-viewing filters throughout every partial phase and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Ordinary sunglasses, even very dark or polarized ones, are not suitable; smoked glass and exposed photographic film are unsafe, too. Check filters for scratches or punctures, along with any other damage, before use. Children should be supervised so they do not look around the edges of poorly fitted glasses. Optical equipment, including binoculars, telescopes and cameras, requires filters designed specifically for that equipment. The Museo Elder advises users to put on eclipse glasses with their backs to the Sun and remove them only after turning away. Hold children’s glasses firmly to prevent slipping; people who wear prescription glasses should put the eclipse glasses over them. Only glasses marked with the EN ISO 12312-2:2015 standard are considered safe for solar observation.
Alongside the glasses distributed at observation points and at the museum, the ONCE organization will hand out 125,000 certified glasses through its 1,200 vendors across the Canary Islands. The broad distribution aims to let as many people as possible take part safely.
Accessibility is also a focus. Some observation sites will have LightSound devices, which convert changes in light into sound so people with visual impairments can experience the eclipse in real time. Developed with ONCE and the Eclipse Inclusivo project of the CSIC, the initiative aims to make the event inclusive for residents and visitors. The Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias has also included the eclipse in its scientific and public-outreach activity. Its 2026 programme featured the NATE experiment in Palencia, launched on April 29 with support from the Government of the Canary Islands, and a planned live broadcast of the August 12 eclipse.
The eclipse is a highlight for the Canary Islands and part of a broader trend of public engagement with science and astronomy in Spain. As in Barcelona, where local authorities have introduced special measures for public festivals, the Canary Islands are prioritizing safety and accessibility for this major event. The Barcelona measures were detailed in the recent preparations for the Gràcia Festival.
Solar eclipses are rare and often draw impressive public interest. Spain is not expected to see another comparable event for several years, making this August’s eclipse a unique chance for residents and tourists. The focus on certified protection and expert guidance, alongside inclusive technology, reflects a growing commitment to public safety and scientific outreach in the region.
