Maracena
37.208°, -3.635° · 662 m a.s.l.
Visible
Partial eclipse · 96% obscuration
The Sun clears local terrain by 5.59° at peak.
75/100Very good
96%
Partial eclipse · 96% obscuration
See the eclipse from Maracena minute by minute
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Photo: Emiliomaracena · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
About Maracena
Maracena is a municipality in the province of Granada, in Andalusia, located at 662 meters altitude in the Vega de Granada, very close to the provincial capital. With nearly 21,000 inhabitants, it ranks among the most populated municipalities in the Granada metropolitan area. Its position on the alluvial plain of the Genil offers open views towards the peaks of the Sierra Nevada, and its consolidated urban character sets it apart from the rural settlements in the surrounding area.
For this eclipse
On 12 August 2026, Maracena will experience a partial solar eclipse reaching its maximum at 20:36 local time. At that moment, the Sun will be just 5.6° above the horizon, at an azimuth of 284°, nearly due west-northwest. The low solar altitude requires a completely clear horizon in that western band: any obstacle—building, trees, or terrain elevation—can compromise the observation. In this case, the choice of viewing location is as important as the solar filter.
The weather in August
Summer in the Vega de Granada follows a continental Mediterranean pattern: dry, hot days with low precipitation probability. According to records from the AEMET station 5515X, the risk of storms during August is low, which considerably reduces the chance that rapidly developing convective clouds will interfere with eclipse observation. August afternoons typically feature clear skies, favorable for any activity requiring prolonged visibility towards the horizon.
Past eclipses
The last total solar eclipse visible from Maracena dates back to 12 May 1706, more than three centuries ago, when totality lasted just over three and a half minutes with complete obscuration of the solar disk. After the eclipses of 2026, 2027 and 2028, the next opportunity to see an annular eclipse from this location will come on 13 July 2075, and one must wait until 20 June 2327 for the next total eclipse.
Direction and altitude of the Sun
At the moment of maximum eclipse, the Sun will be 5.6° above the horizon, at an azimuth of 284° from north: this means looking nearly due west, with a slight lean towards the northwest. Observation should be directed towards that western sector, and preliminary site surveying is advisable to ensure nothing intercepts that low band of sky. The Sun's low evening position converts location choice into the decisive factor.
Editorial text by eclipses.app · Data: Wikidata, AEMET, NASA and astronomy-engine.
Eclipse schedule in Maracena
| Phase | UTC | Local time | Sun alt. | Sun az. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 — Partial begins | 17:42 UTC | 19:42 | +16.3° | 276.5° |
| Maximum | 18:37 UTC | 20:37 | +5.6° | 284.4° |
| C4 — Partial ends | 19:28 UTC | 21:28 | -3.7° | 292.2° |
Sun direction and altitude at C4
Look toward WNW (292.2°)
Azimuth at C4
292.2° WNW
Sun altitude at C4
-3.67°
Terrain horizon
0.01°
Sun−terrain margin
+5.59°
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 Maracena
| Peak | Elevation | Distance | Azimuth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peñón de Dílar | 2466 m | 23.3 km | 129° SE |
| Cañadillas | 2212 m | 21.1 km | 118° ESE |
| Monte Ahí de Cara | 2106 m | 20.2 km | 117° ESE |
| Cerro del Trevenque | 2083 m | 19.8 km | 137° SE |
| El Dornajo | 2073 m | 19.7 km | 121° ESE |
| Cerro del Mirador | 2067 m | 21.0 km | 129° SE |
| Peña de la Cruz | 2027 m | 20.4 km | 46° NE |
| Alto de Miguelejos | 2017 m | 22.8 km | 97° E |
Weather in Maracena in August
Historical cloud cover
P25 — clearer days
0%
Median cloud cover
0%
P75 — cloudier days
6%
Source: ERA5 (ECMWF), 10-year average at the eclipse hour.
Other eclipses seen from Maracena
- 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 Maracena
Will the eclipse of August 12, 2026 be visible from Maracena?
Yes, partial eclipse: the Sun will be 96% covered at maximum from Maracena.
What time is the eclipse maximum in Maracena?
Maximum occurs at 20:37 local time (18:37 UTC) in Maracena.
Which direction to look to watch the eclipse from Maracena?
Look WNW (azimuth 284°); the Sun will be 6° above the horizon at maximum from Maracena.
Is Maracena a good place to watch the eclipse?
Yes, Maracena 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
All cities in Andalusia →Where to stay in Maracena
For the August 12 eclipse. Recommended stay: Aug 10–14, 2026.
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