Science talks ahead of the 2026 total solar eclipse

Ahead of the total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026, ESA organised a day of activities in León, Spain. This event was organised in collaboration with the City of León and the University of León. An estimated 14 500 people attended the eclipse-watching event.

This photo shows people listening to science talks before the start of the eclipse. The image on the screen shows a simulated image of a galaxy as it will be observed by the future Spain-led Arrakihs mission. Aside from Arrakihs, the stage programme explored what we're doing to mitigate the risks of solar storms and space weather, the science behind eclipses, and ESA missions studying the Sun. 

With all the chairs occupied, visitors also sat on the grass. It was a hot summer's day, but the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos de León offered welcome shade. The eclipse viewing area is the sunny area behind the stage. 

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[Image description: A large crowd of people watches a stage with three people on it. The stage backdrop is a large LED screen showing a spiral galaxy surrounded by many coloured spots on a dark coloured background. The audience is sitting on foldout chairs, sitting or lying down on the grass, or standing along the side. A large glassy building stands on the right, and the area is partially covered by a roof.]