Astronomy at the Mirador: Bigastro prepares for spectacular partial solar eclipse

Bigastro is inviting residents and visitors to experience one of this year’s most remarkable astronomical events when a partial solar eclipse takes place on Wednesday, August 12. With almost the entire Sun set to be obscured, the town has organised a public viewing event to help people enjoy the phenomenon safely.

Public viewing planned for Bigastro

Bigastro is inviting residents and visitors to watch one of this year’s most impressive astronomical events when a partial solar eclipse takes place on Wednesday, August 12.

The town has organised a public viewing point at the Mirador on Calle Vega Baja, next to the former San Jose de Calasanz School, where people can enjoy clear views of the horizon as the Moon passes across the Sun.

The eclipse is expected to begin at 7:40 PM, reaching its maximum at 8:35 PM. From Bigastro, around 98.6 per cent of the Sun will be covered, making it one of the best places in the area to experience the event.

To help everyone watch safely, the Town Hall will hand out free certified eclipse glasses while stocks last.

Safety comes first during the eclipse

Organisers are reminding people never to look directly at the Sun without approved eye protection. Only eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standard should be used. Ordinary sunglasses, smoked glass, X-ray films and other homemade alternatives do not provide enough protection and can cause serious eye damage.

The council is encouraging families and friends to come together and enjoy this rare event, which offers a chance to experience one of nature’s most spectacular displays from one of Bigastro’s best viewpoints.

Bigastro’s elevated position makes it an ideal location for events such as this. Unlike many towns in the Vega Baja, it was built on a hill rising above the surrounding floodplain rather than alongside the Segura River. Visitors who make their way to the summit are rewarded with sweeping views across the fertile countryside, a feature that has earned Bigastro a reputation as one of the Vega Baja’s finest natural viewpoints and makes it a fitting place to watch the eclipse unfold.