Astronomical events sweep across Spain, Ireland, and Peru

A series of significant astronomical events has captured public attention across Europe and South America. On August 12, 2026, a major solar eclipse occurred, providing a rare spectacle in Spain and Ireland. In Spain, the eclipse was visible from various regions including Cuenca, Extremadura, and Cádiz, with some areas experiencing high levels of solar obscuration. NASA addressed a mystery regarding an object appearing to cross the Sun during the eclipse, clarifying that it was a plane's condensation trail rather than a meteor.

Following the solar event, a partial lunar eclipse is scheduled for August 28, 2026. This lunar event will be visible across much of Spain, as well as parts of Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Experts from the National Geographic Institute note that the lunar eclipse can be viewed safely with the naked eye, unlike the solar eclipse which requires specialized protection. In Peru, the agency reported that a partial lunar eclipse would also be visible during the night of August 27 and the early hours of August 28.