Anticipation Builds for the Total Solar Eclipse of August 12, 2026, in Spain

As the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, approaches, excitement is palpable in Spain, particularly in the region of Castile. Enthusiasts are flocking to the streets of Valladolid, which is experiencing an influx of astronomy aficionados from around the globe, all making their final preparations to witness this celestial event in the picturesque countryside near Burgos.

Having arrived in Valladolid three days prior, after landing in Madrid on August 8, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. The excitement surrounding the eclipse has seamlessly woven itself into the fabric of daily life in the area.

Traveling along the highways from Madrid to Valladolid and through various stretches of Castile, electronic billboards continuously display safety reminders related to the eclipse. These include warnings against driving while wearing eclipse glasses, stopping on the roadside, and attempting to photograph or film the eclipse while driving. Such signs may seem amusing, yet they underscore the significance of the event and the multitude of people—both seasoned astronomers and casual observers—expected to gather for it.

Valladolid is currently bustling with enthusiasts. Many guests at my hotel are British astronomers and astrophotographers who have arrived in Spain through a specialized tour operator focusing on astronomical travel and events. The presence of photographic equipment, tripods, and telescopes has become a common sight.

The region between Valladolid and Burgos has been selected by numerous astronomers and photographers from across Europe and beyond. The choice is primarily due to geographical and meteorological advantages: the expansive horizons of the Castilian plateau, which are virtually unobstructed, coupled with a generally more stable and drier climate compared to the coastal regions, provide optimal viewing conditions when the sun is still relatively high at the time of totality.

So far, the plateau has welcomed us with warm, dry, and low-humidity weather, and current forecasts remain favorable for the day of the eclipse.

Interestingly, my main concern as the eclipse approaches is not the weather but rather securing a good spot for observation. I have joined a group of Italian astronomers led by Paolo Alfieri from the Rheyta Association of Ravenna Astronomers. We will be around twenty in total, gathering in the same area to observe and photograph the event.

This morning, I will leave Valladolid for Burgos and head to our designated observation site in the countryside near Villahoz. Our meeting point is close to a small hermitage, an area frequented by local astronomers for their observational activities. Despite the vastness of the plateau, predicting the number of attendees and the actual conditions on-site remains challenging. Therefore, arriving early to secure a good position and organizing all necessary equipment for a few hours under the sun is crucial.

It seems likely that the countryside between Valladolid and Burgos will be dotted with astronomers and enthusiasts arriving from all over Europe.

Among the primary observation points organized in the province is the Lodoso Astronomical Center. The Diputación de Burgos had even extended an invitation to King Felipe VI of Spain for the occasion, symbolically recalling the visit of his great-grandfather, King Alfonso XIII, who came to Burgos to witness the total solar eclipse on August 30, 1905. However, recent reports suggest that the King may observe the eclipse from Mallorca instead.

As for my own preparations, they are nearly complete. Last night, I spent the final hours of anticipation at the Planetarium of the Science Museum in Valladolid, which hosted a special 24-hour opening featuring activities and screenings throughout the night.

Meanwhile, the batteries for my cameras and mounts have finished charging at the hotel. I, on the other hand, have not had much sleep.

This morning, it’s off to Burgos.

Fingers crossed.

Photographs by Luca Faloppi.