Galapagar
40.578°, -4.004° · 883 m a.s.l.
Visible
Partial eclipse · 99.9% obscuration
The Sun clears local terrain by 5.73° at peak.
75/100Very good
99.9%
Partial eclipse · 99.9% obscuration
See the eclipse from Galapagar minute by minute
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Photo: Dirección General de Turismo. Consejería de Economía e Innovación Tecnológica. Comunidad de Madrid · CC BY 3.0 es · Wikimedia Commons
About Galapagar
Galapagar is a municipality in the province of Madrid, in the Community of Madrid, located at 883 metres altitude on the piedmont of the Sierra de Guadarrama. With a population of around 31,800 inhabitants, it occupies an intermediate position between the mountain range and the Madrid plain. Its elevation above sea level gives it a distinct character from the lowland municipalities: cooler summers and a northern horizon dominated by the peaks of the Central System.
For this eclipse
On 12 August 2026, Galapagar will experience a partial solar eclipse. Maximum will occur at 20:31 (local time), with the Sun oriented towards the west-northwest (azimuth 283°) and just 7.6 degrees above the horizon. The clearance above the local topographic horizon is 5.6 degrees, making the eclipse visible from the locality. Given the low solar angle, it is best to choose a location with a clear horizon towards the west-northwest, free from buildings or trees that could obstruct the view.
The weather in August
In August, Galapagar records a low risk of thunderstorms according to AEMET data for the 1991–2020 period. This is favourable for anyone planning to observe the eclipse on the 12th: the phenomenon reaches its peak well into the afternoon, when convective activity typically declines in upland zones. The altitude of 883 metres moderates the summer temperatures typical of interior Madrid, making the hours of waiting outdoors more bearable. Data: AEMET (1991–2020).
Past eclipses
Galapagar witnessed its last total eclipse on 8 July 1842, 184 years ago, with a phase of totality lasting 77 seconds. More recently, on 3 October 2005, an annular eclipse covered 90.2% of the solar disc and lasted slightly more than four minutes. After the eclipses of 2026, 2027 and 2028, the next opportunity to see an annular eclipse from these latitudes will not arrive until 8 December 2113.
Direction and altitude of the Sun
At the moment of maximum eclipse (20:31, local time), the Sun will be 7.6 degrees above the horizon, pointing towards the west-northwest, with an azimuth of 283°. This orientation means observation must be directed towards that cardinal point. With only 5.6 degrees of clearance above the local topographic horizon, any interposing element—buildings, trees, hills—can block the view. It is recommended to locate in advance a clear location in that direction.
Editorial text by eclipses.app · Data: Wikidata, AEMET, NASA and astronomy-engine.
Eclipse schedule in Galapagar
| Phase | UTC | Local time | Sun alt. | Sun az. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 — Partial begins | 17:36 UTC | 19:36 | +18.0° | 274.4° |
| Maximum | 18:32 UTC | 20:32 | +7.6° | 283.1° |
| C4 — Partial ends | 19:24 UTC | 21:24 | -1.3° | 291.4° |
Sun direction and altitude at C4
Look toward WNW (291.4°)
Azimuth at C4
291.4° WNW
Sun altitude at C4
-1.32°
Terrain horizon
1.89°
Sun−terrain margin
+5.73°
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 Galapagar
| Peak | Elevation | Distance | Azimuth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabeza de Hierro Menor | 2376 m | 24.9 km | 13° NNE |
| Cerro de Valdemartín | 2282 m | 24.1 km | 8° N |
| Alto de las Guarramillas (Bola del Mundo) | 2265 m | 23.1 km | 5° N |
| La Maliciosa | 2227 m | 21.2 km | 8° N |
| Cerro del Cristo | 2227 m | 23.2 km | 4° N |
| Dos Castillas | 2179 m | 23.1 km | 3° N |
| Siete Picos - Somontano | 2138 m | 22.7 km | 354° N |
| El Peñotillo | 2124 m | 20.9 km | 7° N |
Weather in Galapagar in August
Historical cloud cover
P25 — clearer days
0%
Median cloud cover
12%
P75 — cloudier days
86%
Source: ERA5 (ECMWF), 10-year average at the eclipse hour.
Other eclipses seen from Galapagar
- Last total eclipseJuly 8, 1842184 years ago
- Last annular eclipseOctober 3, 200521 years ago
- Next annular eclipseDecember 8, 2113
Solar eclipses computed from astronomical ephemerides for the city's coordinates.
Frequently asked questions about the eclipse in Galapagar
Will the eclipse of August 12, 2026 be visible from Galapagar?
Yes, partial eclipse: the Sun will be 99.9% covered at maximum from Galapagar.
What time is the eclipse maximum in Galapagar?
Maximum occurs at 20:32 local time (18:32 UTC) in Galapagar.
Which direction to look to watch the eclipse from Galapagar?
Look WNW (azimuth 283°); the Sun will be 8° above the horizon at maximum from Galapagar.
Is Galapagar a good place to watch the eclipse?
Yes, Galapagar is an excellent choice (score 75/100): favorable geometry, clear horizon, and good August climatology.
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
fuencarral el pardo
25 kmmoncloa aravaca
28 kmfuencarral
28 kmtetuan de las victorias
29 kmalcorcon
30 kmWhere to stay in Galapagar
For the August 12 eclipse. Recommended stay: Aug 10–14, 2026.
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