Andorra's First Partial Solar Eclipse of the Century on August 12

Andorra will experience a partial solar eclipse on 12 August, the first and last total eclipse visible from the principality this century. The event peaks between 20:29 and 20:30, when the moon will visibly cover a portion of the sun for about 90 seconds.

Engineer Alan Ward, speaking ahead of a presentation on 19 February at La Llacuna organised by the SAC, described it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The last total solar eclipse seen from Andorra occurred on 30 August 1905, with the next not due until 17 November 2180. While the total eclipse will be visible only in a narrow band stretching from Mallorca to Asturias before heading west, observers in Andorra will clearly see the moon gradually obscure and then reveal the sun's disc.

Ward stressed safety above all: direct viewing is prohibited, as it risks permanent retinal damage from staring at the sun, often without immediate symptoms. Telescopes without protection are equally dangerous. Instead, he recommended certified filters meeting ISO 12312 standards—best purchased soon to avoid shortages—or the safer projection method. This involves poking a small hole in paper with a needle, holding it toward the sun, and projecting the image onto another surface for a clear, low-resolution view.

Prime viewing spots should avoid deep valleys for better sightlines. Ward favours a spot in Naturland, but suggested alternatives like Coll de la Botella or Port d'Envalira.

Astronomy enthusiasts will have another chance soon after: a lunar eclipse on 28 August, visible to the naked eye without precautions. It begins around 5:00, reaches maximum obscuration at 6:14, and ends by 7:00—far less fleeting than the solar event and safer to watch.