Blood moons, Perseids, or eclipses. Summer brings us a more vibrant Andalusian experience than ever before, with untamed sunsets and fascinating astronomical phenomena. On August 12, 2026, two major events will coincide, compelling us to look up at the sky: the “San Lorenzo Meteor Shower” and the highly anticipated solar eclipse. At sunset, the Moon’s shadow will dim the daylight for a few moments before the sun sets.
Although the path of totality will cross the northern half of the Iberian Peninsula and part of the Levante region, in Seville we’ll experience a spectacular event of almost… The Moon will cover nearly 95% of the Sun’s disk just before sunset, immersing the city of Seville in a penumbral, metallic light that will be very hard to forget.
Exact date and time of the solar eclipse in Seville
For those who will be witnessing the phenomenon from the capital or the metropolitan area, there are several key moments to mark on your afternoon calendar:
- At 7:40 p.m., the show begins: the Moon will gradually start to “bite” into the edge of the Sun’s disk.
- The highlight will occur at 8:37 p.m., when the eclipse reaches its peak. At that moment, with the Sun skimming the western horizon (at an altitude of just 7°), the Moon will cover 94.7% of the Sun’s surface. Ambient light will plummet, and the sky will take on unusual, coppery hues.
- Around 9:15–9:19 p.m., the eclipsed sunset will take place. The Sun will sink below the western horizon while still partially eclipsed, offering a sunset straight out of a movie. The final phase will occur once the Sun has already dipped below the horizon.
Where to watch the eclipse in Seville: the key is to look west
Since the peak of the eclipse will occur when the Sun is very low on the horizon (barely 7° above the horizon, equivalent to the height of a four-story building), any building, hill, or grove of trees to the west will block the view of the phenomenon.
To enjoy unobstructed views in the city and its surroundings, these are the best viewing spots:
- Alamillo Park and the banks of the Guadalquivir River: the esplanade and the riverbanks offer wide, unobstructed views toward the western horizon, free of architectural barriers.
- The Aljarafe Corniche (Camas, Tomares, or Castilleja de la Cuesta): these natural balconies overlooking the fertile plain or the heights of the Aljarafe are among the best vantage points in the capital for watching the sun’s descent.
- Open areas of the Vega and Seville’s Sierra Morena: if you’d rather escape the urban crowds, the open spaces of the Sevillian countryside are ideal for watching the changing light surrounded by nature.
Essential Precautions
Witnessing an astronomical event like this requires caution. Since the eclipse in Seville will not be total (approximately 5% of the sun’s brightness will remain visible), it is strictly prohibited to remove your eye protection at any time.
- Use only certified glasses: they must be ISO 12312-2 certified.
- Conventional sunglasses, X-rays, tinted lenses, and non-specific photographic filters are not suitable.
- Be mindful of your surroundings: August is the month with the highest risk of wildfires in Andalusia. It is prohibited to light fires, smoke in areas with dry grass, or park vehicles on dry grass.
ONCE is distributing certified eclipse glasses in Seville
The ONCE social group will distribute 1.7 million pairs of eclipse glasses free of charge throughout the country, so Sevillians will also be able to safely observe the eclipse.
Distribution will take place through several major channels to ensure that the majority of the population has access to certified protection:
- ONCE booths and vendors around the week of August 3. The network of more than 21,300 street vendors and newsstands will distribute the vast majority of the tickets (1.7 million in total). Simply visit your usual location in the city to request information about ticket distribution.
- The Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) will distribute the remaining 300,000 units through science museums, research centers, and collaborating universities. At this time, a detailed list of participating institutions has not been released. In any case, reservations will not be necessary.
- Special events are planned throughout the province. Sevillian municipalities such as Huévar del Aljarafe have organized public events featuring free distribution of certified eclipse glasses as part of their family-friendly astronomy evenings.
What if you want to see 100% totality?
To experience total darkness with the solar corona fully visible, you’ll need to travel to the path of totality, which runs through the northern and central parts of the Iberian Peninsula (Castile and León, Aragon, Madrid, and Catalonia).
If you can’t make the trip, don’t worry: this August 12 eclipse is just a taste of things to come. On August 2, 2027, a second total solar eclipse will pass directly over southern Andalusia (turning areas like Cádiz and Málaga into the world’s epicenter of astronomy).
