This coming Saturday morning, March 29th, from Barcelona you will be able to witness a partial solar eclipse. This astronomical phenomenon, in which the Moon will partially hide the Sun, will begin at 11:03 am.
According to data provided by the National Geographic Institute (IGN), the eclipse will reach an obscuration of 12.77% in the city. It will reach its maximum point at 11:48:55 hours, and will end at 12:36:03 hours, with a total duration of 1 hour, 33 minutes and 3 seconds.
These data can be consulted by precise location at the following link: IGN viewer.
During this period, a little cloudy sky and temperatures between 11 and 17 degrees are expected, with a low probability of precipitation (5%), according to the latest forecast available this Thursday from the State Meteorological Agency.
The solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is interposed between the Earth and the Sun, partially or totally blocking the sunlight that reaches our planet. This alignment occurs only during the new Moon phase, and only when the three celestial bodies are in the same line.
Recommendations to enjoy the partial solar eclipse
Since the eclipse will be partial, at no time will the Moon completely cover the solar disk. That is why it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without proper protection, such as CE-certified eclipse glasses with an opacity index of 5 or higher.
The IGN website details other methods for indirect observation, such as through a perforated cardboard or the use of a mirror with a small hole.
Sunglasses are best left at home. They are not recommended for these phenomena, nor are smoked glasses, x-rays or other homemade filters. They could cause irreparable damage to the retina.
In the case of using optical instruments such as binoculars or telescopes, they should never be used without specific solar filters, unless they are handled by experts in astronomical observation.
This will be the first solar eclipse that Spain will experience in a chain of events that will lead to witness in 2026 and 2027 two total eclipses. In addition, a lunar eclipse is planned for January 2028.
This is one of the many plans you can make this weekend in Barcelona. You can find the rest here.