
Gijón/Xixón will be a privileged location to observe the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, as it lies directly on the ‘line of centrality’.
Event Overview
The Concejalía de Relaciones Institucionales y Juventud, in collaboration with ICTEA, the OMEGA Astronomical Association, and other scientific bodies, is organizing a series of outreach activities, talks, and planetarium visits to prepare the public for this phenomenon. The program focuses on both the scientific significance of the eclipse and essential eye health protection.
Key Information
- Total Eclipse: Gijón/Xixón is in the path of totality, where the moon will completely cover the sun for a few minutes.
- Safety: Protecting eye health is critical. The use of certified protective glasses is mandatory except during the brief moments of totality.
- Viewing Locations: The city is currently working with neighborhood associations to identify the best viewing spots in both urban and rural areas. A key requirement for any chosen location is a clear view of the western horizon, as the sun will be low in the sky during the event.
Preparation Tip
To test your chosen viewing spot, you can observe the sun’s position on April 29 at 20:18, which matches the position it will have during the maximum phase of the eclipse in August.