Eclipses have captivated humanity for centuries, sparking excitement, fear, and wonder. Recently, the topic of eclipses has garnered significant attention. For instance, in April of last year, millions of Americans witnessed a breathtaking total eclipse that darkened the skies from south to north across the nation. More recently, we celebrated a preview of future celestial events with a smaller eclipse occurring in March of this year. However, amidst these significant occurrences, there are solar eclipses that may go unnoticed due to their partial nature.
A New Eclipse is set to grace the skies this Sunday, with a partial solar eclipse beginning at approximately 17:30 UTC (7:30 PM CEST for the Spanish peninsula) and concluding around 21:54 UTC (11:54 PM CEST). This eclipse falls close to a full moon, taking place just days before the lunar event on September 7. The eclipse will start over the waters of the Pacific Ocean, just near the Samoa archipelago . Though this eclipse will not feature a moment of total darkness, the peak of the eclipse will occur at 19:42 UTC (9:42 PM CEST), when observers can expect to see the moon cover about 72% of the sun’s surface from inhabited areas.
The Eclipse of the Antipodes This eclipse parallels the previous one observed on March 29 earlier this year but occurs on the opposite side of the globe. The partial eclipse will be visible primarily across the islands of New Zealand and several other southern Pacific archipelagos. Notably, regions along the west coast of Australia, including Sydney and Tasmania , will also witness the event. Though the total viewing audience will be limited, those stationed in Antarctica —including personnel at various bases like the Spanish facility on the Southern Shetland Islands —will observe its majesty.
The regions that will experience the maximum visibility of this solar event are mainly concentrated in southern New Zealand and specific locations within Antarctica, particularly the lesser-known Oates Land area. As the eclipse progresses, the last remnants will fade into the ocean waters surrounding the Antarctic Peninsula, allowing a few fortunate observers in the most southern latitudes a final glimpse of the spectacle.
Waiting for a Turn Meanwhile, anticipation is building for three significant eclipses scheduled between 2026 and 2028. Two will be total eclipses , while one will be an annular eclipse , all visible from Spain and parts of Europe . The first remarkable occurrence will take place on August 12, 2026—a total solar eclipse—and will be followed by another total eclipse on August 2, 2027. The final eclipse in this series will be an annular eclipse, set for January 26, 2028.
In the midst of these exciting upcoming events, the world will continue to witness other eclipses. The next occurs on February 17, 2026, promising an annular viewing experience but mainly visible from the southern hemisphere , with its annular phase distinctly observable from Antarctica. Additionally, an eclipse on February 7, 2027, will travel through parts of South America and offer partial visibility across much of Africa and southern Spain, marking a season rich with celestial wonder.
As fascination with these phenomena grows, the Spanish government and astronomers are already bracing for the influx of tourists eager to view the sky’s transformations. Spanish towns such as Soria and Teruel are reportedly preparing for an influx of visitors, solidifying their status as prime viewing locations. As we wait for these spectacular celestial events, the universe continues to remind us of its vastness and the excitement that eclipses bring into our lives.