Andorra Comapedrosa Astronomy Festival Returns June 12-13, Prepping for Rare Solar Eclipse

The fourth edition of the Andorra Comapedrosa Astronomy Festival is set for 12 and 13 June in La Massana's Arinsal, spotlighting solar observations to build excitement for the near-total solar eclipse on 12 August—the first visible in Andorra in about a century.

Held under the Starlight Foundation, the event will provide certified solar filter glasses and six automated telescopes at various spots for safe sun viewing. Attendees can join a dawn yoga session, guided observations, and workshops on eclipse safety. The eclipse, reaching 98-99% coverage in the parish, will coincide with the Perseid meteor shower, prompting La Massana to host a festive gathering at Coll de Cabús—also known as Port de Cabús—with protective eyewear and viewing instructions.

Tourism councillor Mònica Solé described the festival as the starting point for eclipse preparations. A highlight this year is a Saturday lecture by eclipse expert astrophysicist Josep Massallés, followed by an explanatory show on the phenomenon.

The Friday night finale features Arinsal's full light blackout from 11pm, allowing naked-eye views of constellations, the Milky Way, and related mythology led by specialist guides. "When the lights go out, the stars come on," said Roger Fité, minor consul and head of the environment council, praising local residents and businesses for their support—including dimming shop lights to preserve dark skies.

Access requires a €2 solidarity wristband, now available and including a voucher for Arinsal shops to boost the local economy. The announcement occurred at the Roc de la Sabina viewpoint, now open 24 hours with an installed planisphere for identifying stars by date and time. La Massana aims to add similar devices at Coll de la Botella and the Comapedrosa refuge, supporting its Starlight Reserve and Territory astrotourism push.

To tackle light pollution, the parish is drafting regulations, leveraging its dark-sky certifications. On World Starlight Night, 20 April, it launched a second astronomy photography contest, with the festival poster featuring last year's winner by Joel Machado.