Catalonia prepares to witness a historic solar eclipse

The total solar eclipse of 2026 will be an extraordinary event. For the first time since 1905, Catalonia will lie within the path of totality of an eclipse: the Moon will completely cover the Sun for a brief moment —up to 1 minute and 32 seconds in municipalities like Roquetes— and day will turn into night. 

The total solar eclipse represents a unique opportunity to promote research and scientific outreach in Catalonia. At an academic level, it will allow for high-value astronomical observations, especially in the study of the solar corona and phenomena related to solar activity. Research centres and observatories, such as the Ebre Observatory — the only one within the path of totality — will play a key role in the generation and transfer of knowledge.

At the same time, the eclipse will act as a major catalyst for scientific vocations and public interest in astronomy, thanks to the mobilisation of schools, universities and outreach organisations that will seize the opportunity to bring science closer to society through workshops, educational materials and public activities across the region.

Due to its great capacity for mobilisation, the Government estimates that the eclipse will have a significant impact on the scientific and educational landscape, as well as on the country’s social and economic activity. For this reason, the development of an interdepartmental action plan will be key to ensuring a coordinated, proactive and effective response to this exceptional event.

Presided over by the President of the Government of Catalonia, Salvador Illa, and with the Vice-Presidency of the Minister for Research and Universities, Núria Montserrat, the commission will include representatives from thirteen Government departments and the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC — Institut d’Estudis Espacials de Catalunya). It will also be supported by the technical and scientific expertise of various specialised centres.

Among its main functions is the definition of an interdepartmental action plan that will address key aspects such as scientific research and outreach, the management of observation areas, mobility planning, tourism promotion, as well as safety and health-related prevention.

The experience of recent eclipses around the world shows that the demand for accommodation, tourist services and observation activities can increase exponentially, attracting both local and international visitors. As the event coincides with the peak of the summer holiday period and will not be fully visible from the metropolitan area of Barcelona, a high volume of travel is expected towards the southern counties, particularly the Terres de l’Ebre and Camp de Tarragona.

Planned actions include the creation of official observation points, the mass distribution of certified eclipse glasses, the activation of special traffic and emergency response plans, and the launch of educational and information campaigns, both in schools and through institutional channels.

The Government will also promote the role of Catalonia’s research system and astronomical heritage, with coordinated initiatives involving the Ebre Observatory, the Montsec Astronomical Park, ICE-CSIC and the IEEC. This eclipse will be the first of a series of three eclipses visible from Spain between 2026 and 2028, an exceptional coincidence in the astronomical calendar. Catalonia will therefore have a unique opportunity to foster interest in astronomy, science and sustainability, and to bring these fields closer to the public in a participatory and cross-cutting way. At the same time, this context offers a privileged opportunity to strengthen the country’s position as a leading destination in knowledge, scientific outreach and astrotourism, promoting a model of territorial development linked to innovation, responsible tourism and social cohesion.

About the IEEC

The Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC — Institut d’Estudis Espacials de Catalunya) promotes and coordinates space research and technology development in Catalonia for the benefit of society. IEEC fosters collaborations both locally and worldwide and is an efficient agent of knowledge, innovation and technology transfer. As a result of more than 25 years of high-quality research, done in collaboration with major international organisations, IEEC ranks among the best international research centres, focusing on areas such as: astrophysics, cosmology, planetary science, and Earth Observation. IEEC’s engineering division develops instrumentation for ground- and space-based projects, and has extensive experience in working with private or public organisations from the aerospace and other innovation sectors.

The IEEC is a non-profit public sector foundation that was established in February 1996. It has a Board of Trustees composed of the Generalitat de Catalunya, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech (UPC), and the Spanish Research Council (CSIC). The IEEC is also a CERCA centre.