Partial Solar Eclipse To Be Visible From Gibraltar Tomorrow
Gibraltar will see a deep partial solar eclipse on Wednesday 12th August with around 93% of the Sun covered shortly before sunset.
The Gibraltar Astronomical Society says the eclipse will begin at 19:44 and will reach its maximum at 20:39 and the Sun will set at around 21:15. Anyone viewing the eclipse should use certified solar eclipse glasses or an appropriate solar filter.
A statement from Gibraltar Astronomical Society follows below:
Residents and visitors across Gibraltar are set to witness one of the most striking astronomical events visible from the Rock in decades when a deep partial solar eclipse takes place on Wednesday, 12 August 2026.
As the path of totality crosses Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain, Gibraltar will experience an exceptional 93% partial eclipse, with the Moon obscuring almost the entire solar disc shortly before sunset. The event promises a spectacular celestial display as the Sun appears as a thin crescent above the western horizon, casting an unusual twilight across the Bay of Gibraltar.
Eclipse Timings
19:44 – First Contact
The Moon begins to move across the Sun, with the eclipse first becoming visible approximately 17° above the western horizon.20:39 – Maximum Eclipse
More than 93% of the Sun will be covered, leaving only a narrow crescent of sunlight and producing noticeably subdued daylight across Gibraltar.21:15 – Sunset
The partially eclipsed Sun will set over the Bay of Gibraltar towards Algeciras while the eclipse is still in progress, creating exceptional opportunities for photography and observation.
Path Of The Eclipse
Best Viewing Locations
As the eclipse occurs low in the west-northwest sky, an unobstructed view of the western horizon is essential. Recommended viewing locations include:
West View Park
Queensway Promenade
Camp Bay
Little Bay
Elevated terraces and rooftops offering clear views across the Bay of Gibraltar
Eye Safety
William Recagno, President of the Gibraltar Astronomical Society, advises the public that looking directly at the Sun without proper protection is dangerous.
Certified ISO 12312-2 solar eclipse glasses or approved indirect viewing methods, such as pinhole projectors, should be used throughout the eclipse. Telescopes, binoculars and cameras must only be used with appropriate front-mounted solar filters. Even with more than 93% of the Sun obscured, the remaining sunlight is sufficient to cause permanent eye damage.
With clear weather, the combination of a deep eclipse and a sunset over the Bay is expected to provide one of the most memorable astronomical spectacles visible from Gibraltar in recent years. Members of the public are encouraged to arrive at their chosen viewing location early and observe the event safely.
