Valencia Prepares for Total Solar Eclipse on August 12

The city of Turia will be one of Europe's prime observation points for this astronomical phenomenon, unique in 400 years.

Image of a beach at dusk in Valencia with a partially eclipsed sun and silhouetted palm trees.
IA

Image of a beach at dusk in Valencia with a partially eclipsed sun and silhouetted palm trees.

The Valencia City Council has organized a special operation for the total solar eclipse on August 12, positioning the city as a key observation point in Europe.

This phenomenon, described by experts as "the astronomical event of the century" for the city, has prompted the creation of an unprecedented security and mobility operation. Malvarrosa Beach has been designated as the Official Observation Point.
During the technical coordination meeting, precise timings for observation from the municipality of Valencia were confirmed. The partial eclipse will begin at 19:38:18 hours, with totality starting at 20:32:24 hours. The maximum eclipse is expected at 20:32:54 hours, and totality will end at 20:33:24 hours. Sunset will occur at 21:01 hours, with the sun still partially eclipsed.
The phase of total darkness will last approximately one minute, during which the solar corona will be visible to the naked eye. During this brief period, the temperature will drop significantly, and planets and stars may be observed in broad daylight. After this event, a phenomenon of equivalent magnitude will not recur in the city for another 400 years, as the last total eclipse visible from Valencia was in 1905.
Due to the anticipated massive influx of citizens and tourists, the City Council will activate security and emergency measures, reinforcing the presence of the Local Police and Valencia Firefighters, along with a special medical team from the Red Cross and Civil Protection. A specific public transport plan (EMT and Metrovalencia) has also been designed to facilitate access to the coastal area and prevent private traffic congestion. Additionally, there will be collaboration with Visit Valencia and the regional strategy EclipsesCV to provide scientific information to attendees.
Authorities have called for civic responsibility, emphasizing the importance of using approved glasses with ISO 12312-2 certification to observe the partial phases of the eclipse. Looking directly at the sun without protection, or through homemade methods, can cause irreversible eye damage and permanent blindness. Only during the minute of totality will it be safe to remove glasses to view the solar corona.