On August 12, 2026, Spain will be the setting for a solar eclipse that will cross the peninsula. Since the astronomical phenomenon will take place at sunset and very close to the horizon, anyone who wants to see it in the best possible way should plan their location in advance to avoid having the view of this historic event obstructed by surrounding elements such as buildings, trees, or mountains.
Valencia will be one of the best places in Spain to view the eclipse, but there are several factors to consider.
Quantum Fracture’s tips for viewing the eclipse
Physicist and science communicator José Luis Crespo, creator of the Quantum Fracture channel, has warned of a significant logistical issue: the eclipse will not occur at its peak.
Since it occurs during sunset, visibility will depend on any obstacles that stand in the line of sight along the horizon. A hill, a building, or a grove of trees could completely block the view of the eclipsed sun if the right viewing spot isn’t chosen.
To mitigate this problem, there are two main solutions. The first comes from the National Geographic Institute (IGN), which has developed an interactive map that allows users to select a specific geographic location and check whether the terrain, such as mountains or natural elevations, will cast shadows or block the view at the time of the eclipse.
April 28, 2026, the first real test for viewing the eclipse
The system has a limitation: it only takes natural terrain into account and does not warn of the presence of vegetation or urban infrastructure.
To ensure uninterrupted visibility, Crespo proposes a second practical solution that anyone can implement: on April 28—the date when the sun will occupy the exact same position in the sky as it will during the August 12 eclipse—you should go to your chosen viewing location and monitor the sun’s path between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
If no urban or natural features interfere with the view of the sunset during that time frame, the location will be safe and ideal for enjoying the eclipse in August.
