El Masnou
41.480°, 2.319° · 27 m a.s.l.
Marginal
Partial eclipse · 99.6% obscuration
Marginal: only 1.26° between the Sun and the local skyline at peak.
60/100Good
99.6%
Partial eclipse · 99.6% obscuration
See the eclipse from El Masnou minute by minute
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Photo: Simon.zfn · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
About El Masnou
El Masnou is a coastal municipality in the province of Barcelona, nestled in the Maresme region on the shores of the Mediterranean. With around 23,340 inhabitants, it extends only 27 meters above sea level, northeast of the Catalan capital. Its coastline, defined by the presence of a marina, shapes the character of this settlement that combines a deep maritime tradition with close proximity to the Barcelona metropolitan area.
For this eclipse
On August 12, 2026, El Masnou will experience a partial solar eclipse in which the Moon will cover a fraction of the solar disk. Maximum will occur at 20:28 local time, with the Sun barely 3.9 degrees above the horizon in the west-northwest direction (287°). At such a low angle, any obstacle—buildings, trees, or the very shoreline profile—could block the view. The verdict is marginal: observation will depend entirely on the clear horizon that your chosen location offers.
The weather in August
August in El Masnou follows the coastal Mediterranean pattern of the Maresme region: warm afternoons and skies tending to clear. The nearest AEMET station (0244X) records a low risk of storms for this month, which favors the late afternoon hours. Still, the characteristic sea haze of the Maresme coast can reduce horizon visibility precisely at sunset, which is when the eclipse reaches its maximum, so it pays to choose your observation point carefully.
Past eclipses
The last total eclipse visible from El Masnou took place on May 12, 1706, 320 years ago, with a phase of totality lasting just under four minutes. More recently, on November 11, 1901—125 years ago—the city witnessed an annular eclipse with an obscuration of just over 82% and an annular phase of about four and a half minutes. After the eclipses of 2026, 2027, and 2028, the next annular eclipse visible from this latitude won't arrive until July 13, 2075.
Direction and altitude of the Sun
At the moment of maximum, the Sun will be at 287° azimuth—west-northwest direction—at a height of barely 3.9 degrees above the horizon. To orient yourself: looking from the beach toward the sea, the Sun will be slightly to the right of where it sets in summer, practically grazing the waterline. This very low position makes it essential to find an observation point free of obstacles to the west-northwest, whether on the promenade or at some pier without buildings blocking the horizon.
Editorial text by eclipses.app · Data: Wikidata, AEMET, NASA and astronomy-engine.
Eclipse schedule in El Masnou
| Phase | UTC | Local time | Sun alt. | Sun az. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 — Partial begins | 17:34 UTC | 19:34 | +13.7° | 277.9° |
| Maximum | 18:28 UTC | 20:28 | +3.9° | 286.5° |
| C4 — Partial ends | 19:19 UTC | 21:19 | -4.6° | 295.0° |
Sun direction and altitude at C4
Look toward WNW (295.0°)
Azimuth at C4
295.0° WNW
Sun altitude at C4
-4.63°
Terrain horizon
2.63°
Sun−terrain margin
+1.26°
What the contact points (C1-C4) mean
A solar eclipse is described by four key moments, the contact points between the discs of the Sun and the Moon:
- C1First contact: the Moon touches the edge of the Sun and the partial eclipse begins.
- C2Second contact: the Moon fully covers the Sun and totality begins.
- C3Third contact: the Sun reappears and totality ends.
- C4Fourth contact: the Moon leaves the Sun's disc and the eclipse ends.
Where the eclipse is only partial, the Moon never fully covers the Sun: only C1 and C4 occur, with no totality in between.
Peaks near El Masnou
| Peak | Elevation | Distance | Azimuth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turó de Santa Margarida | 795.6 m | 24.9 km | 358° N |
| Turó dels Garrics | 716 m | 24.7 km | 360° N |
| Puig de la Creu | 668.3 m | 24.6 km | 313° NW |
| el Corredor | 642 m | 21.0 km | 40° NE |
| Puig del Castell | 632.2 m | 24.3 km | 1° N |
| el Segon Turó | 614.6 m | 24.5 km | 312° NW |
| Turó de Puioret | 598.6 m | 24.8 km | 346° NNW |
| Montalt | 596.7 m | 20.2 km | 47° NE |
Weather in El Masnou in August
Historical cloud cover
P25 — clearer days
3%
Median cloud cover
19%
P75 — cloudier days
64%
Source: ERA5 (ECMWF), 10-year average at the eclipse hour.
Other eclipses seen from El Masnou
- Last total eclipseMay 12, 1706320 years ago
- Last annular eclipseNovember 11, 1901125 years ago
- Next annular eclipseJuly 13, 2075
Solar eclipses computed from astronomical ephemerides for the city's coordinates.
Frequently asked questions about the eclipse in El Masnou
Will the eclipse of August 12, 2026 be visible from El Masnou?
Yes, but marginally: with 99.6% obscuration, the topographic horizon from El Masnou is very close to the Sun's altitude at the end.
What time is the eclipse maximum in El Masnou?
Maximum occurs at 20:28 local time (18:28 UTC) in El Masnou.
Which direction to look to watch the eclipse from El Masnou?
Look WNW (azimuth 287°); the Sun will be 4° above the horizon at maximum from El Masnou.
Is El Masnou a good place to watch the eclipse?
El Masnou is a good option (score 60/100): all eclipse phases are visible, though not the regional optimum.
Do I need special glasses to watch the eclipse?
Yes, you need ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses during every partial phase. Regular sunglasses do NOT protect. Glasses can only be removed during the totality phase (when the Sun is fully covered); never during annular or partial eclipses. Pages flagged "visible" assume a clear horizon, not a viewing recommendation.
Nearby cities
All cities in Catalonia →Where to stay in El Masnou
For the August 12 eclipse. Recommended stay: Aug 10–14, 2026.
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