The Senate of Spain has made a notable request to the government, led by Pedro Sánchez, to establish a national calendar of astronomical events. This proposal, which received unanimous support from all political parties except VOX, aims to position Spain as a prime destination for unique astronomical phenomena over the coming years.
The Senate”s Industry and Tourism Commission is the driving force behind this initiative, which seeks to highlight the country”s capability to host significant celestial events. The calendar is expected to attract enthusiasts of astronomy and enhance Spain”s reputation in this scientific field.
One of the key highlights of this calendar will be a solar eclipse occurring on August 12, 2026, which is anticipated to be a remarkable event for Spain. According to EFE, this eclipse is unique in that it will be the only one of its kind visible in Europe for over fifty years. The text of the motion emphasizes that between July 2026 and January 2028, Spain will experience multiple astronomical phenomena, potentially drawing millions of visitors.
Experts consider the upcoming eclipse a historical event, particularly since it will allow astronomers to observe the solar corona, an observation that is typically not possible under normal conditions. Regions in northern Spain are expected to offer the best views of this spectacular event.
Furthermore, it is projected that a similar solar eclipse will not occur until 2081, making the 2026 event even more significant for both scientific observers and tourists alike. This initiative represents a strategic move to leverage Spain”s unique geographical advantages in astronomy for tourism and economic growth.
