On August 12th, Spain will witness a significant astronomical event: a solar eclipse. Although in Malaga it will be observed partially, the Moon is expected to obscure up to 95% of the solar disk.
According to forecasts from the National Geographic Institute (IGN), the eclipse will begin in Malaga around 7:43 PM and last until 9:30 PM. In the capital city, the phenomenon will cease to be visible about nine minutes earlier, coinciding with sunset.
The eclipse will transform the sunset light, causing a perceptible decrease in brightness and making the Sun appear as a crescent shape as the obscuration progresses. Monte Calamorro, accessible via the Benalmádena Cable Car, is presented as an ideal location to follow this event.
The Benalmádena Cable Car maintains its summer operating hours throughout July and August, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, allowing visitors to ascend to the site during the afternoon of the eclipse. The 2,646-meter journey to the summit takes approximately 15 minutes and covers an elevation gain of 636 meters.
Experts emphasize the importance of choosing the right location for proper observation, recommending open spaces without obstructions. Areas in the northern part of Malaga province might offer better visibility conditions due to fewer buildings or mountains on the horizon.
To safely enjoy the eclipse, adequate eye protection is essential. Eclipse glasses must comply with the ISO 12312-2:2015 standard and bear the CE mark. Direct viewing of the Sun without protection is strongly discouraged, even when the Moon has covered most of its surface, and the use of non-approved methods like X-rays or compact discs is warned against.
The IGN offers an interactive viewer to check eclipse details from any location. The August 12th event precedes other notable astronomical phenomena in Spain, including total and annular eclipses scheduled for 2027 and 2028.
