Elda
38.478°, -0.792° · 412 m a.s.l.
Visible
Partial eclipse · 99% obscuration
The Sun clears local terrain by 2.65° at peak.
70/100Good
99%
Partial eclipse · 99% obscuration
See the eclipse from Elda minute by minute
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Photo: FoxR · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
About Elda
Elda is a municipality in the province of Alicante, in the Valencian Community, with just over 55,000 inhabitants. Located at 412 meters elevation in the Vinalopó river valley, the city sits framed between interior mountain ranges that shape its horizon. Its geographical position on the axis connecting Alicante to Murcia makes it a key reference point in the Medio Vinalopó region.
For this eclipse
On August 12, 2026, Elda will experience a partial solar eclipse that reaches its maximum at 20:34 local time. At that moment, the Sun will be just 4.3° above the horizon, equivalent to less than two solar diameters. The western sky must be clear with unobstructed views toward the horizon: any obstacle in that direction could prevent you from seeing the event at its peak. The margin above the topographic horizon is 2.6°.
The weather in August
August in Elda falls during the driest and most stable period of the year in inland Alicante. Data from the reference AEMET station (8013X) indicate a low risk of thunderstorms, favoring atmospheric stability during summer afternoons. The semi-arid character of the Vinalopó valley encourages clear skies frequently, though proximity to the Mediterranean can introduce some morning cloud cover that typically disperses before noon. Data: AEMET (period 1991–2020).
Past eclipses
The last total eclipse visible from Elda occurred on May 28, 1900, lasting 76 seconds of totality—over 126 years ago. More recently, on October 3, 2005, the city witnessed an annular eclipse with 90.4% obscuration and a visible solar ring for approximately 171 seconds. Following the eclipses of 2026 and 2028, the next annular eclipse to pass over this area will not occur until July 13, 2075.
Direction and altitude of the Sun
At the moment of maximum eclipse, 20:34, the Sun is positioned at 286° azimuth, that is, nearly due west-northwest. With an altitude of 4.3° above the horizon, the Sun will be descending toward sunset, meaning observation requires a completely clear western horizon. A practical reference: the Sun will be slightly to the right of due west, nearly aligned with geometric northwest.
Editorial text by eclipses.app · Data: Wikidata, AEMET, NASA and astronomy-engine.
Eclipse schedule in Elda
| Phase | UTC | Local time | Sun alt. | Sun az. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 — Partial begins | 17:39 UTC | 19:39 | +14.6° | 277.5° |
| Maximum | 18:34 UTC | 20:34 | +4.3° | 285.6° |
| C4 — Partial ends | 19:25 UTC | 21:25 | -4.7° | 293.6° |
Sun direction and altitude at C4
Look toward WNW (293.6°)
Azimuth at C4
293.6° WNW
Sun altitude at C4
-4.68°
Terrain horizon
1.67°
Sun−terrain margin
+2.65°
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 Elda
| Peak | Elevation | Distance | Azimuth |
|---|---|---|---|
| el Maigmó | 1296 m | 14.2 km | 79° E |
| Despenyador | 1261 m | 12.1 km | 59° ENE |
| Alt de Guisop | 1249 m | 12.4 km | 73° ENE |
| Alt del Carrascalet | 1245 m | 12.4 km | 63° ENE |
| Les Planisses | 1241 m | 12.3 km | 65° ENE |
| Alto de la Capilla del Fraile | 1238 m | 19.4 km | 276° W |
| la Replana | 1229.4 m | 11.6 km | 27° NNE |
| Penya Migjorn | 1226 m | 22.7 km | 74° ENE |
Weather in Elda in August
Historical cloud cover
P25 — clearer days
0%
Median cloud cover
14%
P75 — cloudier days
36%
Source: ERA5 (ECMWF), 10-year average at the eclipse hour.
Other eclipses seen from Elda
- Last total eclipseMay 28, 1900126 years ago
- Last annular eclipseOctober 3, 200521 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 Elda
Will the eclipse of August 12, 2026 be visible from Elda?
Yes, partial eclipse: the Sun will be 99% covered at maximum from Elda.
What time is the eclipse maximum in Elda?
Maximum occurs at 20:34 local time (18:34 UTC) in Elda.
Which direction to look to watch the eclipse from Elda?
Look WNW (azimuth 286°); the Sun will be 4° above the horizon at maximum from Elda.
Is Elda a good place to watch the eclipse?
Elda is a good option (score 70/100): 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 Valencian Community →Where to stay in Elda
For the August 12 eclipse. Recommended stay: Aug 10–14, 2026.
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<iframe src="https://eclipses.app/embed/widget?lat=38.4778&lon=-0.7916&size=standard&theme=dark&locale=en" width="320" height="340" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" title="Eclipse 2026"></iframe>Share it to help others find out if they'll see the eclipse