La Jornada: “The next total solar eclipse, a shared experience that connects us with the universe”

Madrid. The European Space Agency (ESA) will organize a series of activities around next Wednesday’s eclipse, combining scientific dissemination, citizen participation and educational resources.

That day, Europe will experience an exceptional astronomical event, when a total solar eclipse crosses part of the continent and turns Spain into one of the main observation points of the phenomenon. The eclipse will also be visible from Greenland, Iceland and small areas of northeastern Portugal, while other parts of Europe will be able to see a partial solar eclipse.

During a total solar eclipse, the Moon is placed directly in front of the Sun, blocking most of its light and allowing the Sun’s atmosphere to be observed. It is an exceptional spectacle, last visible from continental Europe in 2006.

During the next eclipse, Spain will have the largest area in all of Europe, offering privileged viewing conditions as the eclipse crosses the country from west to east and continues over the Balearic Islands. This will be the first total solar eclipse visible from mainland Spain since 1905, and the first of three solar eclipses visible from the country between 2026 and 2028.

As an experience shared across Europe, the eclipse represents a unique moment for millions of people to witness this rare natural phenomenon together. It also offers the opportunity to bring the public first-hand about the solar and space research currently being carried out in Europe, including ESA missions that study the Sun and its interaction with the Earth, such as Solar Orbiter, Smile or Proba 3.

Professor Carole Mundell, ESA’s Science Director, explained that a total solar eclipse “is one of those rare moments when millions of people can look at the sky at the same time and feel both amazement and curiosity.

“It is a shared experience that connects us with the universe and reminds us that the desire to explore and understand is one of the great strengths of humanity. ESA science missions have traveled into deep space to directly investigate the physics of the Sun and its effects on Earth. Moments like this allow us to bring space science and technology closer to society, inspire future generations and unite people across Europe through the excitement of discovery,” he said.

ESA will offer a live broadcast from the Javalambre Astrophysical Observatory in Teruel, a world-class astronomical facility located within the range of totality of the eclipse.

The panel will bring together experts to explain the science behind the phenomenon and its relevance beyond astronomical observation. The broadcast will be available in English through ESA’s Web TV and YouTube and will be presented by space scientist and communicator Maggie Aderin.

At the same time, ESA is preparing a public observation program in the city of León, in collaboration with the University of León and the city council. The initiative wants to bring the science behind the eclipse closer to citizens.

The program will offer informative talks on solar science and space missions by ESA experts, as well as educational activities and connections to the Agency’s live broadcast. The entire program will be developed in Spanish.

ESA has also developed a specific educational kit about the eclipse, available in English and Spanish through the agency’s platforms.

The materials are designed for teachers and outreach professionals, with content adapted to different educational levels.

They include clear explanations about the eclipse, recommendations for observing it safely, and ready-to-use resources to support activities with students and the general public. The educational dossier will be complemented in the coming months with a series of informative articles and videos.