Lanzarote will experience two very special astronomical events this Wednesday, the partial solar eclipse and the Perseids, also known as the meteor shower or tears of San Lorenzo. This will be the first of three solar eclipses that will be visible in Spain, one each year, from 2026 to 2028.
For this special phenomenon, some areas of the island have visibility of approximately 74% coverage of the Sun. The astronomical event will begin at 6:56 PM this Wednesday in the Canary Islands, and the maximum eclipse will be visible at 7:51 PM. Sunset will occur at 8:36 PM.
How to watch the eclipse?
To directly view the solar eclipse, special eclipse glasses are needed, which can be found at ONCE stands or at the viewing point that the Elder Museum will set up this afternoon in La Santa, in some supermarkets, and in pharmacies in Lanzarote, although many have sold out of stock.
Furthermore, it is advised that even with eclipse glasses on, one should not look at the Sun for more than one minute at a time.
Viewing the eclipse without eclipse glasses can permanently damage eyesight. The high radiation it emits can even cause blindness. To prevent this, one cannot observe the Sun directly with the naked eye, through homemade devices, or filters. The only reliable way to do so is with certified eclipse glasses. Failure to comply with this can result in the retina burning or partial blindness, according to the IGN.
These glasses must also be in good condition, meaning without scratches or tears.
Can I take photos of the eclipse?
As with human vision, to photograph the eclipse, a specific solar filter is needed to protect the camera lens. This filter will also be necessary for mobile phone cameras, otherwise, they could be damaged.
Where to watch it?
The National Geographic Institute has enabled a viewer that allows you to see, area by area, the best places on the island to watch the eclipse, the extent of the Sun's coverage, and the weather forecast for each location.
Additionally, as La Voz reported, the Elder Museum of the Canary Islands will set up tents in Lanzarote and La Graciosa to accompany the population during the eclipse. In these tents, they will distribute approved glasses.
The enabled point in Lanzarote will be the Paseo Marítimo de La Santa, just above the small stairs, while in La Graciosa it will be in the port square of Caleta de Sebo. In Lanzarote they will be installed from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM in La Santa with telescopes.
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