A total solar eclipse will be visible in 56 municipalities of Bizkaia on August 12. Only three towns will experience more than a minute of totality. The event will not occur again for another century.
On August 12, Bizkaia will experience a rare astronomical event as a total solar eclipse sweeps across the province, affecting 56 municipalities. For most of these areas, the period of total darkness will last only seconds, but in three western towns—Lanestosa, Orduña, and Valle de Karrantza—the eclipse will persist for just over a minute. Such an occurrence has not been seen in Bizkaia since 1919, and according to local authorities, it will not return for another hundred years.
The eclipse will begin in the evening, with the partial phase starting around 19:30, as the sun nears the horizon. The moon will gradually obscure the solar disk, reaching totality at approximately 20:30. The unique alignment of the sun, moon, and earth—despite the sun being 400 times larger and 400 times farther away than the moon—will make both appear the same size from the ground, allowing for a complete cover in certain locations.
Bizkaia's position on the edge of the eclipse's path of totality means that the experience will vary significantly across the province. In the northeast, only a partial eclipse will be visible. In the central zone, which includes Bilbao and 52 other municipalities, totality will last less than a minute. The longest durations are reserved for Lanestosa (one minute and five seconds), Orduña (one minute and four seconds), and Valle de Karrantza (one minute and three seconds). Local officials in these towns are already considering public talks and preparations, though resident interest is expected to rise as the date approaches.
Experts recommend that those hoping to witness the eclipse in its full glory travel to these western municipalities. However, weather conditions could play a decisive role, as low clouds or haze may obscure the view. Astrophysicist Naiara Barrado advises choosing observation points with clear skies and unobstructed horizons, since the sun will be low and easily blocked by trees or buildings. Popular sites like San Juan de Gaztelugatxe are already fully booked, with local authorities planning to allow ticket holders to remain past the usual closing time. In Getxo, where totality will last only thirteen seconds, no ticket is required, and police presence will be increased at key coastal viewpoints to ensure safety.
Safety remains a priority for those planning to observe the eclipse. Specialists stress the importance of using ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses, which are not available in pharmacies but can be purchased at astronomy shops or opticians for around €2.50. Glasses should only be removed during the brief phase of totality and replaced immediately once sunlight reappears. Organizers also recommend planning travel in advance to avoid traffic congestion, but encourage residents to take advantage of the opportunity to witness the event locally, as such a spectacle may not return within their lifetimes.
Total solar eclipses are infrequent in Spain, with the last visible in the country in 2005 and the previous one in Bizkaia over a century ago. The phenomenon occurs when the moon passes directly between the earth and the sun, casting a shadow that briefly turns day into night. For many, the August 12 event represents a once-in-a-generation chance to experience this dramatic transformation without leaving their home region.
