Jaén
37.769°, -3.790° · 558 m a.s.l.
Marginal
Partial eclipse · 97% obscuration
Marginal: only 0.13° between the Sun and the local skyline at peak.
45/100Marginal
97%
Partial eclipse · 97% obscuration
See the eclipse from Jaén minute by minute
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Photo: The original uploader was Cle 80 at German Wikipedia. · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
About Jaén
Jaén is the capital of the province of the same name in Andalusia, nestled at the foot of the sierra de Jabalcuz at 558 metres above sea level. With a population of around 113,000 inhabitants, the city spreads across uneven terrain dominated by the hill of Santa Catalina. Its surroundings, marked by the olive groves of the Jaén countryside, place it in the interior of the Iberian Peninsula, far from the coast and surrounded by reliefs that condition the visibility of the horizon.
For this eclipse
On 12 August 2026, Jaén will experience a partial solar eclipse, but the moment of maximum obscuration will occur with the Sun only 6° above the geometric horizon, and the surrounding terrain will exceed this by 1.5°. This means that the Sun will be hidden behind the landscape at that instant, so the maximum of the eclipse will not be observable from the city centre. To see it, it will be necessary to move to an elevated point with a clear horizon towards the west-northwest.
The weather in August
August in Jaén is characterised by low storm risk, which favours stable and clear days in the afternoon. The Andalusian interior at this altitude typically offers dry conditions in summer, with sparse convective cloudiness and cooler nights than on the coast. Although thermometric data from the reference station is not available, the Mediterranean continental climate of the area is known for its hot summers and clear skies, circumstances favourable if you choose a viewpoint with a good horizon.
Past eclipses
The last total eclipse visible from Jaén occurred on 12 May 1706, 320 years ago, with a totality of just over two minutes. There is no record of an annular eclipse observable from this location in recent times. After the eclipses of 2026, 2027 and 2028, one will have to wait until 13 July 2075 for an annular eclipse and until 20 June 2327 for the next total eclipse.
Direction and altitude of the Sun
At the moment of maximum phase of the eclipse, at 20:36 local time, the Sun will be at azimuth 284°, that is, towards the west-northwest, barely 4° north of due west. Its height above the geometric horizon will be only 6°, a very low position that explains why local terrain blocks it. To observe the eclipse, it will be essential to have a completely clear view in that direction.
Editorial text by eclipses.app · Data: Wikidata, AEMET, NASA and astronomy-engine.
Eclipse schedule in Jaén
| Phase | UTC | Local time | Sun alt. | Sun az. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 — Partial begins | 17:41 UTC | 19:41 | +16.7° | 276.1° |
| Maximum | 18:36 UTC | 20:36 | +6.0° | 284.2° |
| C4 — Partial ends | 19:28 UTC | 21:28 | -3.2° | 292.0° |
Sun direction and altitude at C4
Look toward WNW (292.0°)
Azimuth at C4
292.0° WNW
Sun altitude at C4
-3.21°
Terrain horizon
6.13°
Sun−terrain margin
-0.13°
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 Jaén
| Peak | Elevation | Distance | Azimuth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cerro Almadén | 2036 m | 23.6 km | 99° E |
| Almadén Bajo | 1883 m | 22.5 km | 101° E |
| La Pandera | 1870.03 m | 15.5 km | 175° S |
| Peña del Altar | 1818 m | 15.8 km | 172° S |
| Cerrillo Caldera | 1773 m | 15.1 km | 180° S |
| Cerro de la Horca | 1766 m | 18.6 km | 171° S |
| Los Morales | 1722 m | 20.4 km | 169° S |
| Peñón de Alacún | 1704 m | 18.6 km | 168° SSE |
Weather in Jaén in August
Historical cloud cover
P25 — clearer days
0%
Median cloud cover
0%
P75 — cloudier days
0%
Source: ERA5 (ECMWF), 10-year average at the eclipse hour.
Other eclipses seen from Jaén
- Last total eclipseMay 12, 1706320 years ago
- Next total eclipseJune 20, 2327
- Next annular eclipseJuly 13, 2075
Solar eclipses computed from astronomical ephemerides for the city's coordinates.
Frequently asked questions about the eclipse in Jaén
Will the eclipse of August 12, 2026 be visible from Jaén?
Yes, but marginally: with 97% obscuration, the topographic horizon from Jaén is very close to the Sun's altitude at the end.
What time is the eclipse maximum in Jaén?
Maximum occurs at 20:36 local time (18:36 UTC) in Jaén.
Which direction to look to watch the eclipse from Jaén?
Look WNW (azimuth 284°); the Sun will be 6° above the horizon at maximum from Jaén.
Is Jaén a good place to watch the eclipse?
Jaén can see the eclipse with limitations (score 45/100): terrain, geometry, or climatology add risk. Consider moving to a higher-scored viewpoint.
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 Andalusia →Where to stay in Jaén
For the August 12 eclipse. Recommended stay: Aug 10–14, 2026.
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