The total solar eclipse on the next August 12 will also be observable from Madrid, although with a fundamental difference depending on the chosen location. In the capital Madrid, it will technically be partial, while a part of the north of the Community will be within the totality band and will be able to experience the complete disappearance of the Sun for several seconds.
The phenomenon will begin in the region around 7:30 PM and will reach its maximum phase approximately at 8:32 PM, with the Sun already very low on the western horizon. The Community of Madrid has enabled 51 official observation points distributed throughout municipalities in the region.
Juan Carlos I Park: practically at the limit of totality
One of the options within the capital Madrid is the surroundings of Juan Carlos I Park, in Barajas. Its location, to the northeast of the city, places it very close to the limit of the totality band.
The calculations from Timeanddate for the park itself place the maximum at 8:32 PM and assign it a magnitude of 1.000, although they classify the phenomenon at that point still as a partial eclipse. That is to say, the Sun will be practically covered, but a phase of totality cannot be assured from the entire area.
The City Council has organized an official activity in the Barajas district called "An Astral Experience," which will be held between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM at the Mirador de la Playa, on Playa de Barlovento street. There, glasses will be distributed for free to follow the eclipse.
Buitrago del Lozoya, 1 minute and 19 seconds of darkness
For those who want to experience the total eclipse without leaving the Community, the main point prepared by the regional Government will be Buitrago del Lozoya.
The town will enjoy approximately 1 minute and 19 seconds of totality and will host the Eclipse Festival in the Riosequillo recreational area, with educational activities, workshops, games, and music.
The northern area of Madrid is, in general, the zone that offers the best possibilities to observe the total phase. The band will cross the Community with an approximate duration of between 30 and 90 seconds, depending on the municipality.
The municipalities of Madrid within or close to totality
Among the municipalities included by the Community of Madrid in its official observation network are Somosierra, Buitrago del Lozoya, Rascafría, Lozoya, Canencia, Braojos, La Cabrera, Cabanillas de la Sierra, El Molar, San Agustín del Guadalix, Colmenar Viejo, Tres Cantos, and San Sebastián de los Reyes.
There are also points distributed in other places in the region such as Becerril de la Sierra, Navacerrada, Moralzarzal, Los Molinos, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Robledo de Chavela, Brunete, Chinchón, or Navas del Rey. In total, the regional website currently lists 51 municipalities with observation points.
Not all of them will be within the totality. The points in the north allow for observing the complete eclipse, while in municipalities located further south, the obscuration will be partial.
The Community will also distribute approved glasses for free at the official points, until supplies run out.
Valdebernardo also organizes an observation in Madrid capital
Those who prefer not to leave the city have another official alternative in the Este Park of Valdebernardo, in Vicálvaro.
The City Council has scheduled the "Night of the Sun" there from 8:00 PM, with observation using appropriate glasses and live music.
The Planetarium of Madrid also maintains a special program dedicated to the so-called "trio of eclipses" until the same August 12, with educational activities, sessions, and recommendations to prepare for the observation. The City Council is distributing approved glasses at the Planetarium, museums, and municipal libraries until supplies run out.
The western horizon will be as important as the municipality
The IGN insists on a particularly relevant condition for this eclipse: it will not be enough to be within the appropriate strip. The phenomenon will occur at sunset and the Sun will be very low on the horizon.
In Madrid, the maximum will occur around 8:32 PM. Therefore, it will be necessary to choose a space with a clear view towards the west, without buildings, mountains, trees, or other obstacles that block the Sun during the last minutes.
This factor can make parks, open spaces, and viewpoints better options than certain elevated points with obstacles towards the west.
Precaution due to the risk of fires
The high expected influx coincides with a particularly delicate situation due to the wildfires this summer. The Forest Agents have requested to reduce unnecessary travel, use only designated parking areas, and not block access routes for emergency services.
It is also advisable to check on the same day if the chosen municipality is maintaining its activity, as some town halls are reviewing or canceling events due to the risk of fires.
To observe the Sun directly, it will be essential to use glasses approved according to the standard EN ISO 12312-2:2015. Sunglasses, X-rays, tinted lenses, and homemade filters do not provide sufficient protection.