The moon bites the sun: this is how the eclipse was seen around the world
The phenomenon has been observed from several points in Catalonia.
BarcelonaThe spring astronomical calendar is off to a strong start. This last weekend of March, we witnessed one of the most anticipated events of the year: a partial solar eclipse visible from Catalonia. The phenomenon began on Saturday, March 29, and the moon could be seen slightly biting the sun in some parts of the country.
However, it is very important not to look directly at the sun without protection or even with sunglasses, as this could cause eye damage. Several observatories have been filled with dozens of people watching the phenomenon. This was the case at the Pujalt observatory in Anoia, where more than 100 enthusiasts gathered.
Many curious visitors also gathered at the Montsec Astronomical Park, located in Àger (Noguera). During the morning, visitors received detailed explanations about this and other astronomical events from park technicians and observed the partial eclipse with telescopes and glasses suitable for the occasion. The Lleida region was an optimal location for enjoying the partial eclipse, with coverage from Àger reaching around 25% and light reduction of 17%. The phenomenon was observed between 10:59 a.m. and 12:38 p.m., when the light changed and the shadows became fainter, peaking at 11:48 a.m. An observation point was also set up in the Núria Valley, in Ripollès.
This unusual phenomenon has also been observed in l'Ametlla del Vallès, as reported by the 4 Seasons Project.
The eclipse was visible from various points around the world, and in cities like London, the sun's bite into the moon was even more visible. Onlookers gathered at the Greenwich Observatory.
Where and when to see the eclipse
According to data from the National Geographic Institute (IGN), the partial solar eclipse began at 11:02 a.m., taking the city of Barcelona as its reference point. It was then that the Moon's shadow began to cover the upper right side of the Sun. The peak occurred at 11:48 a.m., when 13.5% of the upper part of the Sun was completely hidden, as if it were a small bite. From then on, the lunar shadow gradually faded, and at 12:36 p.m. the spectacle was completely over.
The phenomenon was not very intense in our country, so if we didn't observe it directly, we practically couldn't appreciate it. That is, at no point did we notice that the sky darkened or that the streetlights were dim. In fact, the eclipse will not be total anywhere on the planet, since its nucleus will not cross the Earth this time. The solar eclipse has been most obscured near Canada, where the peak will be at 11:48 a.m. (CET).
How to watch the eclipse without damaging your eyes
It is very important not to look directly at the sun without protection or simply with sunglasses, as this could cause eye damage. We also cannot observe the phenomenon with devices such as cameras, conventional telescopes, or binoculars because they lack filters that protect our eyes.
Therefore, one of the safest options is to purchase special eclipse glasses with filters approved by the European Community. Another good option is to project sunlight. This involves making a small, round hole of one or two millimeters in a piece of cardboard, through which the sunlight filters and is projected onto a smooth container, another piece of cardboard, or a wall, from where you can observe the progress of the eclipse.
Prelude to the total eclipse of 2026
All eyes of astronomy lovers and professionals are on August 12, 2026, when Catalonia will experience a total solar eclipse. It will be experienced especially in the south of the country on the night of that day, when the Sun will be completely obscured for at least two minutes.
In fact, this will be the first of three spectacular consecutive solar eclipses that will take place in our country until 2028. It is what has been dubbed the Iberian tripletOn August 2, 2027, another eclipse will occur, total in the far south of the peninsula and partial in Catalonia. On January 26, 2028, there will be an annular solar eclipse that will fully affect much of Catalonia.
What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun. The moon blocks sunlight in the sky, and its shadow follows a specific part of the planet. Areas fully affected by the phenomenon see the day suddenly darken for a few brief minutes, and stars or planets can even be seen in the sky. Eclipses cause changes in animal behavior, as they assume nightfall is coming.