Join the Excitement of the Total Solar Eclipse in Palencia
On August 12, a spectacular total solar eclipse will be visible across much of Spain, and several towns in Palencia, including the capital, Frómista, and Carrión de los Condes, will host observation and outreach events. This gathering will bring together scientists and students from Spain, Morocco, and the United States, serving as a preparatory training session for the NATE (North African Telescope Eclipse) experiment, which will occur during the next total solar eclipse scheduled for the following year. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between Spain's rural areas, ultra-peripheral island spaces, and the scientific communities from Morocco, the U.S., and Spain.
The NATE project is spearheaded by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) in collaboration with the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Morocco and the National Solar Observatory (NSO) of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). Supported by the Government of the Canary Islands through the Canary Agency for Research, Innovation, and Information Society (ACIISI), this initiative focuses on scientific research, education, and public engagement to study the eclipse that will take place on August 2, 2027. This eclipse will be visible from the southern tip of Spain, northern Africa, and parts of the Middle East, utilizing a coordinated network of telescopes operated by teams composed of IAC scientists, volunteers, teachers, and secondary and university students.
A Unique Training Experience for Future Solar Observations
This initiative draws inspiration from the successful Citizen CATE (Continental American Telescopic Eclipse) experiments conducted in the U.S. during the 2017 and 2024 eclipses by the NSF, the NSO, and the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI). NATE will deploy ten telescopic teams to observe the total solar eclipse in various locations across Morocco. As the Moon's shadow travels across the country, these teams positioned within the path of totality will capture images of the solar corona, extending the total observation time up to ten minutes.
Spain is poised to experience a rare series of significant solar eclipses, with the total eclipses occurring this summer and in 2027, and an annular eclipse in 2028. These astronomical events not only present exceptional opportunities for scientific study—offering favorable conditions to observe the dynamics of the Sun—but also hold tremendous public interest due to their wide visibility. This convergence of scientific and public interest makes these eclipses a unique opportunity for outreach and fostering a passion for science.
The upcoming eclipse will occur on August 12, with its peak visibility in Palencia occurring nearly at dusk. The subsequent eclipse on August 2, 2027, will see the path of totality traverse southern Spain, Ceuta, Melilla, northern Africa, and parts of the Middle East. The event this year will serve as a training ground for the teams preparing for next year's observation campaign, with scientists, volunteers, students, and collaborators traveling to Palencia to receive hands-on training and learn to operate the equipment under real conditions—all while engaging with local residents and interested visitors.
Otero Hill, one of the most iconic sites in the capital, will be the focal point for both training and observational activities, accompanied by a comprehensive program of events designed to engage families and highlight the historical significance of this moment. Starting August 10, the IAC and its partners, along with the municipalities of Palencia and Frómista, will present a lively program of activities that brings science and outreach into the streets, featuring a mix of educational and festive elements. This will culminate in a grand spectacle at 8:29 PM on Wednesday, August 12, when the sun will be completely obscured, allowing for a magical view of the solar corona—a moment that will be unforgettable and will pave the way for the ambitious NATE initiative in Morocco one year later.
As reported by aytopalencia.es.
