Where it will be visible
Check the path of totality and choose a spot with good sky visibility. Access the IGN's official interactive map to locate the best areas.
Interactive map12 August 2026 - Galicia
Total Solar Eclipse in Galicia
Everything you need to know to enjoy it safely
An exceptional astronomical event that will be visible from much of Galicia
On this page we will bring together practical information and official links to plan your experience: where to look, when to look and how to do it safely. The contents will be progressively completed and validated.
During partial phases, never look at the sun without approved protection.
Removing glasses is only safe during totality and only if you are within the path of totality.
Removing glasses is only safe during totality and only if you are within the path of totality.
Schedules by province
Access estimated schedules based on your location through the official viewer. In this section, we will include a summary by province.
Go to schedulesObservation safety
Clear recommendations for observing the eclipse safely, with links and reference materials.
See recommendationsOfficial sources
Note: in August, Galicia is on Daylight Saving Time (CEST, UTC+2). Official times may differ from the ‘actual sunset’ if your western horizon is not flat.
What is a total solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes in front of the sun and casts its shadow on Earth. In the case of a total eclipse, the darkest part of the shadow (umbra) covers your location for a few moments: the day ‘goes out’, the temperature drops, and the solar corona becomes visible.
Partial
The Sun looks ‘bitten’. At no time is it completely covered.
Annular
The moon covers the centre, but a bright ‘ring’ remains around it.
Total
The sun is completely covered during totality. It is the most spectacular experience.
Why does totality enter through Galicia in 2026?
The path of totality is narrow: only locations passed by the moon's shadow see it in full. In 2026, that trajectory crosses the north-west of the peninsula and covers a good part of Galicia.
- Within the path of totality: you can only remove your glasses during those very seconds/minutes
- Outside the path of totality: a partial eclipse will be visible (very pronounced in some spots), but not a total one.
- A good observation point is one with a clear horizon and low light pollution.
Where will it be visible in Galicia?
The eclipse of 12 August 2026, will be seen as total within a specific path. In Galicia, the phenomenon occurs in the late afternoon, with the sun low on the horizon. As a reference, in the municipality of A Coruña, the IGN indicates that the eclipse ends around 21:22 (official time), before sunset. Please note: actual visibility may vary if you have mountains, buildings, or other obstacles to the west, so choosing a location with a clear horizon is key.
How to choose a good observation point
- Clear western horizon: the eclipse occurs near sunset, so avoid enclosed valleys or locations with obstacles.
- Plan access and parking: look for wide and safe spaces (viewpoints, recreational areas, beaches with western exposure, etc.).
- Arrive early: there will be high attendance in totality areas.
- Confirm your municipality on the official map: the path of totality is narrow and changes from place to place.
Interactive map
This map allows you to check if a specific municipality is within the path of totality.
Orientation by province
A Coruña
Province with a clear presence of totality. The capital (A Coruña) is in totality as well as many municipalities in the metropolitan area and the north/interior. In the south-west and in some coastal areas the eclipse may remain partial.
Lugo
It is the Galician province with the greatest presence within the path of totality. Most of the area will be in totality (including the capital).
Ourense
‘Contrast’ province: mostly partial, with totality in some municipalities. Totality is concentrated mainly in the east/south-east (Valdeorras and mountain areas), whereas in the vicinity of Ourense city and much of the rest, the partial eclipse predominates.
Pontevedra
Partial eclipse predominates, with totality only in specific inland municipalities. In most of the province the magnitude is very high but without totality; the best spots are in specific inland areas.
Provincial capitals (IGN data)
These sheets are an official summary for the capitals (not for the entire province). To confirm totality at your exact location, use the IGN viewer.
A Coruña (Total)
Start 19:31 · Maximum 20:28 · End 21:22
🌑 Totality 1m16s
📏 Magnitude 1.03 ☀️ Altitude 12°
Lugo (Total)
Start 19:32 · Maximum 20:29 · End 21:22
🌑 Totality 1m24s
📏 Magnitude 1.03 ☀️ Altitude 11.2°
Ourense (Partial)
Start 19:33 · Maximum 20:30 · End 21:23
📏 Magnitude 1.00 ☀️ Altitude 11.1°
Pontevedra (Partial)
Start 19:33 · Maximum 20:30 · End 21:23
📏 Magnitude 0.99 ☀️ Altitude 11.7°
Source: IGN/CNIG (eclipse portal). Please reproduce the logos and keep the material unaltered
Schedules by municipality
Search for your municipality and consult the official eclipse schedules. Municipalities with TOTALITY show the start/end of totality; the rest will see a PARTIAL eclipse. Official time (CEST, UTC+2).
A Coruña
Province: A Coruña
🌑 TOTAL
Eclipse start at:
--:--:--
Eclipse ends at:
--:--:--
Maximum
--:--:--
Magnitude
--
Totality starts at:
--:--:--
Totality ends at:
--:--:--
Totality duration
--
Sun (Altitude · Azimuth)
--° · ---°
The sun will be very low toward the west/west-north-west at the eclipse maximum. Choose a location with a clear western horizon.
—
| Municipality | Type | Maximum | Totality | Magnitude |
|---|
Official reference
How to observe it safely
Protecting your eyesight is essential. Looking at the sun without suitable protection can cause permanent eye damage.
What not to do
- Do not look at the sun directly with the naked eye, even if it is cloudy or the sun appears weak.
- Do not use conventional sunglasses, no matter how dark they are.
- Do not use smoked glass, X-rays, CDs, mirrors, or any ‘DIY tricks’
- Do not point cameras, binoculars or telescopes toward the sun without specific certified filters.
Adequate protection
To observe the eclipse safely it is essential to use:
- Eclipse glasses with ISO 12312-2, purchased from trusted distributors.
- Specific solar filters for telescopes, binoculars or cameras, always placed in front of the objective.
- Eclipse lenses can only be used if they are in good condition, without scratches or punctures. In case of doubt, they should not be used.
Partial phases vs. totality
- During all partial phases, even if only a small ‘bite’ of the sun remains, protection is mandatory.
- Only during the few minutes of complete totality (when the sun is 100% hidden by the Moon) is it safe to look without glasses
- As soon as the first bright edge of the sun reappears, put the protection back on immediately
- If you are in an area where the eclipse does not become total, do not remove your glasses at any time.
Indirect observation methods
- Pinhole projection with cardboard (pinhole camera).
- Projection through binoculars/telescope onto a screen (only for experienced individuals).
- Observation through official streaming broadcasts.
Practical tip: take your glasses with you and check that they are in good condition before heading outdoors. If you have doubts, prioritise indirect methods.
Resources and links
Here we will gather verified links (maps, calculations, safety tips, and educational materials). We will add brief descriptions and attribution notes where appropriate.
Main links
Initial list of resources. We will expand it with validated content.
