Discussions have commenced in relation to two significant astronomical events that will be seen from Gibraltar in the summers of 2026 and 2027. 

A statement from the Government follows below:

These are a 92% solar eclipse in the evening of 12 August 2026, and a total (100%) solar eclipse  in the morning of 2 August 2027. 

While this year’s eclipse will be visible throughout the Iberian Peninsula, with totality in the  north, Gibraltar will be one of the only places in Europe where there will be totality, and for over 4 minutes. 

Minister for Environment and Transport John Cortes chaired a co-ordinating meeting to discuss  preparation for these events. Representatives from the Gibraltar Astronomical Society provided  the details in a presentation.  

It is expected that the 2027 event will attract many visitors to Gibraltar, possibly in the  thousands, and discussions centred on which locations both local and visiting persons will want  to view the event, what arrangements will need to be made, and issues related to traffic and  transport to those sites. Representatives from the RGP and the Ministry of Transport were  therefore at the meeting 

Critical for both events is Public Health advice on protection of the eyes, and this was discussed  at length, with representatives from Public Health, including Director of Public Health Dr Helen  Carter attending. 

This was a preliminary discussion, with other stakeholders being involved as the dates approach. 

Minister Cortes said, “There will be challenges in making these exciting astronomical events safe  and enjoyable, and we have to plan well in advance given the pressure that the total eclipse next  year in particular will bring. It will be an experience of a lifetime, and we must plan well for it”.