On August 12, 2026, the Moon will slide perfectly in front of the Sun over northern Spain, turning day into twilight for a few minutes. For many people in Europe, this will be their first chance to see a total solar eclipse. And in the city of León, the European Space Agency is throwing a free public party to watch it alongside the scientists who study the Sun for a living.
A full day of space activities for all ages
The event takes place at the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos de León, organized by ESA together with the City of León and the University of León. From 10:00 to 14:00 CEST, the indoor area will host hands-on workshops, experiments, and interactive activities for all ages. Visitors can learn about ESA missions, build their own pinhole camera, and discover the science behind solar eclipses. The daytime program is free and open to everyone, with no registration required.
Evening eclipse viewing with expert commentary
In the late afternoon, the action moves outdoors. Gates open at 17:30 CEST, and the main stage program begins at 18:30 CEST. Scientists, engineers, and astronomy experts will guide the crowd through every stage of the eclipse, explaining what is happening in the sky and why this particular eclipse is so remarkable. Totality, when the Moon completely covers the Sun, will be visible only from Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain, and a small part of northeastern Portugal. Northern Spain offers some of the best viewing conditions on the planet.
Why León is the place to be
León sits squarely in the path of totality, making it one of the prime locations in Europe to experience the full eclipse. Local residents and visitors alike will have a rare chance to stand under a darkened sky alongside the people who study the Sun and our Universe every day. The event is designed for families, space enthusiasts, and anyone curious about how we explore and understand the cosmos. No tickets or prior sign-ups are needed. Just show up and look up.
For a few minutes on a summer afternoon, the Moon will block the Sun and the sky will go dark. In León, that moment will be shared with the scientists who make it their life's work to understand what lies beyond our planet.
