Watch the total solar eclipse with ESA in León

On 12 August, thousands and thousands of individuals throughout Europe will look to the sky to witness one among nature’s most spectacular phenomena: a total solar eclipse. For many, will probably be their first alternative to expertise one.

Northern Spain shall be one among the greatest locations in the world to expertise totality – when the Moon utterly covers the Sun. Totality will solely be seen from Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain and a small space of northeastern Portugal. To mark this extraordinary event, ESA, collectively with the City of León and the University of León, is organising a free public occasion at the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos de León.

The occasion will deliver collectively scientists, engineers and astronomy consultants, who will information guests via the science behind the eclipse with interactive actions, talks and reside observations all through the day. It shall be a novel alternative to expertise totality alongside the individuals who examine the Sun and our Universe every single day.

The full programme is freed from cost and open to all, with no registration required.

A full day of area actions

From 10:00–14:00 CEST, guests can discover a variety of hands-on workshops, experiments and interactive actions designed for all ages.

From the science of the Sun and eclipses to Europe’s area missions, aerospace engineering and the historical past of astronomy, the daytime programme provides one thing for households, area lovers and anybody inquisitive about how we discover and perceive our Universe.

In the late afternoon, the programme strikes open air. Gates open at 17:30 CEST, giving guests loads of time to discover a place earlier than the major stage programme begins at 18:30 CEST.

The night programme combines science talks and skilled commentary to information guests via each stage of the eclipse, explaining what is occurring in the sky and why the 12 August 2026 eclipse is such a outstanding occasion.

Programme

From household workshops and interactive demonstrations in the daytime to a night of science and eclipse statement, here’s what guests can anticipate all through the day:

A DAY OF SCIENCE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Indoor space of the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos, León
10:00–14:00 CEST

Enjoy workshops, experiments and hands-on actions for all ages. Discover the science of the Sun and eclipses, discover area via play and experimentation, and discover ways to observe the eclipse safely.

EXPERIENCE THE ECLIPSE WITH US
Outdoor space of the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos de León
17:30–21:45 CEST

Before you come 

• Arrive early to make the most of the day’s actions and safe viewing spot earlier than the night stage programme begins.
• Use licensed eclipse glasses each time any a part of the Sun is seen. Only throughout totality, when the Moon utterly covers the Sun, is it secure to look immediately at the eclipse with out eye safety.
• Bring water, suncream and a hat for the statement, as temperatures may be excessive.
• Check this web page often for the newest programme updates and sensible info.

Can’t be a part of us in León?

If you might be unable to hitch us in León, you can even observe the eclipse via ESA’s reside broadcast from the Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre in Teruel, Spain.

The broadcast shall be out there in English on ESA Web TV and YouTube from round 19:30 CEST on 12 August. More info shall be printed quickly.

If you’re a member of the media and want to cowl both occasion, please go to our media platform for registration details.