Anticipation is growing for the arrival of the first total solar eclipse visible from Catalonia in 101 years. The phenomenon will take place next Wednesday, August 12, starting at 7:30 PM. The last total solar eclipse visible from the territory occurred on August 30, 1905, and the next is not expected until November 17, 2180.
The Penedès regions will enjoy a privileged view. In Baix Penedès, the Moon will completely obscure the Sun in municipalities like El Vendrell, where totality will begin at 8:29:24 PM and last 33 seconds, or Calafell, with a slightly longer duration. Some town councils have organized special activities for the occasion.
In Alt Penedès, the obscuration will be almost total. In Vilafranca, the moment of maximum coverage will be reached at 8:29:30 PM, with 99.96%. Although not total, experts assure it will be an impressive spectacle.
The Department of Health of the Generalitat reminds the public of the importance of taking safety measures to observe the eclipse. It is essential to use only glasses with ISO 12312-2 certification, as no other device such as sunglasses or X-rays is suitable. It is recommended to put on the glasses before looking at the Sun and remove them only after looking away.
To ensure road safety during the event, the Department of the Interior has issued traffic recommendations, advising to avoid the AP-7 and use the A-7 and N-340 for journeys between Camp de Tarragona and Terres de l'Ebre. A contingent of 700 Mossos d'Esquadra officers will oversee traffic in key observation areas.
Several websites offer detailed information and maps to follow the eclipse, including eclipsicatalunya.cat (Generalitat), serviastro.ub.edu (University of Barcelona), and eclipsi.info.
