The recent solar eclipse turned the skies over Granada into the stage for an extraordinary event. Although the phenomenon was observed partially from the capital, the province is positioning itself as a protagonist in a series of eclipses that will capture international astronomical attention in the coming years.
This event marks the beginning of an Iberian trilogy that includes another total solar eclipse in 2026 and an annular eclipse in 2028. The historical importance of this Wednesday's phenomenon lies in it being the first total solar eclipse visible from the Iberian Peninsula in over a century, with the previous one in 1912 and the last in Spain in 1959 (only in the Canary Islands).
The totality of the eclipse was not visible from the Granadian capital, which fell outside the path of complete solar disk obscuration. From Granada, the eclipse reached approximately 96% obscuration shortly before sunset. In other northern areas of the province, the percentage was even higher, approaching the limit of totality.
“"The path of totality will cross the southern tip of the peninsula, reaching Cádiz, Málaga, Ceuta, and Melilla, as well as areas in the south of the provinces of Granada and Almería."
The main event for Granada will arrive on August 2, 2027, with a new total solar eclipse. The Moon's shadow will cross the southern Iberian Peninsula, including southern parts of Granada and Almería. This eclipse, scheduled for the morning (around 10:50 AM), will facilitate observation compared to the 2026 event.
The sequence of phenomena will conclude on January 26, 2028, with an annular eclipse, where the Moon will leave a visible solar ring. The path of annularity will also cross parts of Andalusia, affecting provinces like Seville and Málaga.
After this series of events, a total solar eclipse will not be visible again in Spain until 2053, according to the National Geographic Institute. Wednesday's phenomenon therefore marks the beginning of an exceptional three-year window for astronomical observation.
