On August 12, 2026, people in eastern Spain and the Balearic Islands including Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera will witness one of the rarest astronomical events in the world, a total solar eclipse just before sunset. From Mallorca, the total eclipse will begin at 8:31 p.m. CEST and last for about 1 minute and 36 seconds. At that moment, the Sun will be only 2.7 degrees above the horizon, creating an extraordinary view that very few people ever get to experience.
During totality, the Moon will completely cover the Sun, turning daylight into an eerie twilight even though the Sun is about to set naturally. The famous solar corona, which is normally bright white, is expected to appear orange because the Sun will already be low on the horizon. Around 18 minutes after totality ends, the partially eclipsed Sun will slowly disappear below the Mediterranean Sea, creating one of the most spectacular sunsets ever seen.
A Chance to Watch the Moon’s Shadow Leave Earth
Astronomers recommend looking away from the Sun immediately after totality ends. According to eclipse expert Dr. Tyler Nordgren, observers may be able to see the Moon’s shadow lifting off Earth as it reaches the end of the eclipse path. Since the Balearic Islands are located at the very end of the path of totality, people there will be the last on Earth to experience the total eclipse. If weather conditions are clear, the departing shadow could even be visible on distant clouds or haze.
A Rare “Double Sunset” Experience
Normally, sunset happens gradually as daylight slowly fades. However, during this eclipse, two different kinds of darkness will happen at the same time. The natural sunset will darken the sky from below, while the Moon’s shadow will darken it from above. This unusual combination is expected to create a strange atmosphere, making colors fade quickly and giving the sky a dramatic metallic appearance. Many experienced eclipse observers say this type of darkness feels completely different from an ordinary sunset.
Twilight Will Become Even Darker
In Mallorca, sunset will occur at 8:50 p.m. CEST, but the partial eclipse will continue until 9:22 p.m. Because the Sun will still be partially covered after it goes below the horizon, the evening twilight could become noticeably darker than usual. The colorful glow that normally appears after sunset may also be much weaker. Experts recommend staying at the observation site for at least one hour after totality to enjoy these rare effects.
Why This Eclipse Is So Special
The path of totality on August 12, 2026, will stretch about 8,400 kilometers (5,200 miles) across Earth. It will begin at sunrise in the Russian Arctic, pass over Greenland, Iceland, and Spain, and end at sunset over the western Mediterranean. Although every total solar eclipse has a sunrise and sunset point, these locations are usually over the ocean or in remote regions. What makes the 2026 eclipse unique is that the sunset total eclipse will be visible from popular tourist islands in the Mediterranean, making it far more accessible than most sunset eclipses. Astronomers say events like this are extremely rare, especially in places that are easy to reach. The only major challenge remains the weather. A cloudy horizon could block the view, so successful eclipse viewing will depend on clear skies, careful planning, and a little luck.
