xkcd

An annular eclipse happens when the moon is farther out, making it appear smaller than the sun. So when it covers it, you still see a ring of sun. Cool, but not spectacular. You need special glasses for sun viewing the entire time. It looks like so:

A total solar eclipse is when the moon is closer and appears as large or larger than the sun, completely blocking it. This creates a temporary night-like environment for a small section of the earth. It also makes it so that you can view the sun's outer atmosphere, which extends away from the sun in ghostly white outcroppings. This is always there, but the sun's surface is so bright it usually drowns it out. It appears about as bright as a full moon, viewable with the naked eye. The moon itself becomes absolutely, mesmerizingly black. Even very-science minded persons have described it as a religious experience

in an annular eclipse you don't get the "someone broke the sky" thing. It basically means there's always bits of the sun sticking out from around the moon.

Edit: so bascially the whole spike in the middle of the graph is gone

If you are in the path of totality, go find a spot early on and just kind of hang out - bring snacks and water and a book. If you aren't familiar with the area, download a map on your phone because the cell network might be slammed with people. Don't look at the sun without solar glasses until totality. The moon takes a while to move in front of the sun and the light level gradually drops, but you won't notice it until probably 90% of the sun is covered. Once totality occurs, you can look at the eclipse with the naked eye.

It is beautiful and indescribable and I was profoundly moved when I watched the 2017 eclipse. I will watch the upcoming one, provided the clouds don't cover it.

Once the eclipse is over, prepare to wait for traffic. It might be a while to get out because so many people go to such a small area.

I think the problem with this one was how close it was to to sunset.

Global Event: Total Solar Eclipse, in Spain

Start of Partial: Wed, 12 Aug 2026, 19:30 CEST

Start of Totality: Wed, 12 Aug 2026, 20:26 CEST

End of Totality: Wed, 12 Aug 2026, 20:33 CEST

End of Partial: Wed, 12 Aug 2026, 20:46 WEST

Sunset:

• 20:49 - Wednesday, August 12, 2026 (GMT+2)

If you go north/west, the eclipse will take place a bit higher over the horizon. If you go to the eastern part/coast of Spain, it will be very low to the horizon, which would maybe suck inland but might be cool over the ocean.