Annular Solar Eclipse in Spain – January 26, 2028
📌 General Characteristics of the Eclipse
On January 26, 2028, coinciding with sunset, Spain will witness a spectacular annular solar eclipse, in which the Moon does not completely cover the Sun, leaving visible the famous “ring of fire.” The annular phase will have an exceptional duration of between 5 and 7 minutes in many locations, making it one of the longest in Europe in decades. After 2028, no other annular eclipse visible from Spain is expected until 2059, and that one only within a very narrow strip of Catalonia.
The path of annularity will cross from the southwest (Portugal/Algarve) through Andalusia and Castilla-La Mancha to areas of the Levante region, including Valencia, reaching Catalonia (including Barcelona, which will experience the full central ring) and the western Balearic Islands.
Although Madrid is not within the annular path, it is very close—just 40–80 km southeast of the city. Therefore, residents of Madrid who wish to witness the “ring of fire” can travel to nearby cities such as Toledo, Aranjuez, or Cuenca, all within the annular zone. In Madrid, the eclipse will be partial with 82% coverage, which will still be visually impressive.
The annular phase begins in Spain around 17:52 CET and lasts until approximately 18:00–18:10 depending on the location—always coinciding with a very low Sun near the western horizon, which requires a clear view to fully enjoy the event. For example, in Seville, the partial phase continues until 18:36, while in Valencia, the partial phase ends around 18:09, with the annular phase lasting close to 7 minutes.
This eclipse is also notable for being the longest annular eclipse of the 21st century in Europe, with annularity exceeding 7 minutes in Spain and reaching up to 10 minutes and 27 seconds in parts of Brazil and South America.
🌞 City Information
| City | Start of the Eclipse | Start Total Eclipse | End Total Eclipse | End of eclipse | Sun Altitude at Maximum | Duration Totality | Cloud probability | Average Temperature August |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tarifa | 9:40:53 | 10:45:08 | 10:49:48 | 10:00:45 | 38.1° | 4m 39s | 14% | 28°C |
| Área recreativa Montera del Torero | 9:41:02 | 10:45:27 | 20:30:29 | 20:32:08 | 38.2° | 4m 15s | 13% | - |
| Sotogrande | 9:41:15 | 10:45:52 | 20:30:29 | 20:32:08 | 38.5° | 4m 08s | 16% | 29°C |
| Parque natural los Alcornocales | 9:41:05 | 10:45:40 | 20:30:29 | 20:32:08 | 38.1° | 3m 51s | 9% | - |
| Estepona | 9:41:26 | 10:46:19 | 20:30:29 | 20:32:08 | 38.6° | 3m 40s | 7% | 30°C |
| Sitio de Calahonda | 9:41:45 | 10:46:56 | 20:30:29 | 20:32:08 | 39.0° | 3m 26s | 13% | 30°C |
| Marbella | 9:41:40 | 10:46:50 | 20:30:29 | 20:32:08 | 38.9° | 3m 18s | 8% | 30°C |
| Cadiz | 9:41:45 | 10:45:22 | 20:30:29 | 20:32:08 | 37.5° | 3m 02s | 13% | 28°C |
| Torremolinos | 9:42:00 | 10:47:38 | 20:30:29 | 20:32:08 | 39.3° | 2m 42s | 12% | 29°C |
| Malaga | 9:42:07 | 10:48:09 | 20:30:29 | 20:32:08 | 39.3° | 1m 53s | 10% | 30°C |
| Jerez de la frontera | 9:40:58 | 10:46:17 | 20:30:29 | 20:32:08 | 37.6° | 1m 40s | 9% | 34°C |
🛡️ Eye Safety and Protection
Viewing a solar eclipse without certified glasses can cause irreversible eye damage, including retinal burns. It is essential to use certified eclipse glasses with filters that meet the ISO 12312-2 standard, preferably from brands like Spectrum or other approved ones.
Using regular sunglasses, homemade filters, or looking directly at the Sun without protection—even during partial phases—is strongly discouraged.
🧭 Recommendations for Observers
- Choose locations with a clear western horizon without obstructions (trees, mountains, buildings).
- Arrive early (60–90 min in advance) to avoid crowds and secure a clear spot.
- Use certified solar glasses at all times during partial phases. Only remove them during full annularity if you are within the path.
Check the interactive maps of Xavier Jubier for precise magnitude and duration based on your specific location.