The San Sebastián de los Reyes City Council will set up the football field on Teide street as an official observation point and will distribute 1,000 approved glasses to safely view the total solar eclipse on August 12.
On August 12, San Sebastián de los Reyes will become one of the best locations in the Community of Madrid to observe the total solar eclipse, a phenomenon that will not occur in Spain with these characteristics for decades. The City Council has organised an official observation point at the football field on Teide street, where 1,000 approved glasses will be distributed free of charge to protect eyesight during the partial phases of the eclipse.
Access will be free until capacity is reached, and the event will start at 19:00 with the distribution of glasses. The partial eclipse will begin at 19:36:24, and totality, which will last approximately 33 seconds, will occur between 20:31:46 and 20:32:19. After the maximum, the sun will set at 21:16:24, closing the celestial spectacle.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon perfectly aligns between the Earth and the Sun, completely obscuring the solar disc. During those brief moments, the sky darkens as if it were dusk, the temperature may drop slightly, and the solar corona, the outer atmosphere of the Sun, becomes visible. In San Sebastián de los Reyes, totality will be brief but intense, offering a unique experience for attendees.
The City Council reminds that observing the Sun without proper protection can cause irreversible eye damage. Therefore, except during the seconds of totality, it is mandatory to wear approved glasses for solar observation. The 1,000 units to be distributed comply with safety regulations and will allow all phases of the eclipse to be followed without risk.
This initiative aims to bring astronomy closer to the public and promote scientific dissemination in a community setting. Families, enthusiasts, and the curious are invited to participate in this day that will turn the municipality into a privileged spot to witness one of the most spectacular natural phenomena.
The total solar eclipse on August 12 will be visible in a narrow band across Spain, and San Sebastián de los Reyes is located within it. Residents of the northern area of Madrid have an exceptional opportunity to enjoy the event without the need to travel to other parts of the peninsula.
For those unable to attend the football field on Teide street, the City Council recommends finding a place with a clear horizon to the west, as the eclipse will coincide with sunset. However, it insists that eye protection is essential during the partial phases.
With this initiative, San Sebastián de los Reyes joins other Spanish municipalities that have organised activities for eclipse observation, but stands out for the free glasses and accessibility of the observation point. Attendees will be able to enjoy a top-tier scientific event in a festive and educational atmosphere.
The astronomical event promises to be unforgettable. The 33 seconds of total darkness will be the highlight of an afternoon that will begin with the Sun still high and end with dusk. The City Council expects a large turnout and recommends arriving early to secure a spot and collect the glasses.
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