ECLIPSE. THE MOMENT OF TOTALITY

Screening premiere, talk and conference.

 

You can find more general information about this phenomenon on our page dedicated to the solar eclipse.

 

On 28 April, the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències will host a special day dedicated to eclipses, in connection with the upcoming phenomenon visible from Spain in 2026.

 

Throughout the day, a range of activities will be offered around this astronomical event, aimed at both school groups and the general public, combining scientific outreach with an immersive audiovisual experience.

 

For the first time in more than a century, on 12 August 2026 a total solar eclipse will be visible from parts of the Iberian Peninsula — a natural spectacle that turns day into night for a few minutes. Although it will not be visible in its full magnitude from our facilities, it will still provide a unique opportunity to observe how the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth.

 

An event no sky enthusiast should miss.

 

Morning programme
Screening premiere “Eclipse. The moment of totality” and “Ask a Scientist” talk

 

Audience: Secondary school groups
Location: Hemisfèric projection room

 

In the morning, the premiere of Eclipse. The Moment of Totality will take place, a fulldome experience that invites audiences to discover the beauty and spectacle of solar and lunar eclipses, as well as other phenomena related to the Moon.

 

The screening combines real images captured by renowned astrophotographers with computer-generated graphics to show how the Moon, as it orbits the Earth, can position itself between our planet and other celestial bodies, creating eclipses or even occultations of planets such as Venus or Saturn.

 

After the screening, students will take part in the talk The Eclipse to Come, delivered by European Space Agency (ESA) astronomer Pedro García Lario, where they will have the opportunity to ask questions directly to the scientist.

 

During the session, participants will learn what will be visible from Spain in the coming years and why this series of eclipses makes our country a privileged location for observing the sky.

 

An invitation to look at the Sun —with proper protection— and to prepare for a phenomenon that few generations have had the opportunity to experience so closely.

 

Programme

Time	Activity
18:30 h	Doors open
19:00 h	Conference: Under the Shadow of the Moon. The Triad of Solar Eclipses 2026, 2027 and 2028
20:00 h	End of the conference and start of the Q&A session
20:30 h	End of the event

Afternoon programme
Conference: Under the Shadow of the Moon

 

Audience: General public
Location: Santiago Grisolía Auditorium, Museu de les Ciències

 

In the afternoon, Pedro García Lario (ESA) will deliver the conference Under the Shadow of the Moon. The Triad of Solar Eclipses 2026, 2027 and 2028.

 

Between 2026 and 2028, the Iberian Peninsula will witness an exceptional astronomical phenomenon: two total solar eclipses and one annular eclipse visible from different parts of Spain within a period of just three years.

 

The talk offers an overview of solar eclipses, explaining what they are, why they occur and why they have fascinated humanity from ancient civilisations to modern science.

 

Both the astronomical and observational aspects of this so-called “Iberian triad” will be addressed, along with its cultural, historical and scientific impact. The characteristics of each eclipse, their visibility across Spain and the key guidelines for safe and optimal observation will also be analysed.

 

The session will also reflect on the opportunities these events offer for scientific outreach, citizen science, astronomical tourism and societal preparedness for visually striking natural phenomena.

 

An invitation to prepare for a series of eclipses that will turn the skies of Spain into the stage for one of nature’s greatest spectacles.

 

Programme

Time	Activity
18:30 h	Doors open
19:00 h	Conference: Under the Shadow of the Moon. The Triad of Solar Eclipses 2026, 2027 and 2028
20:00 h	End of the conference and start of the Q&A session
20:30 h	End of the event

 

Information

Date: 28 April 2026
Admission: Free entry until full capacity is reached
Access point: West entrance on Calle Menor (next to the Hemisfèric)
Live streaming: The session will be available via the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències audiovisual channels and its YouTube channel