Novelda
38.385°, -0.768° · 247 m a.s.l.
Visible
Partial eclipse · 99% obscuration
The Sun clears local terrain by 2.14° at peak.
70/100Good
99%
Partial eclipse · 99% obscuration
See the eclipse from Novelda minute by minute
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Photo: cesar.ruiz · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
About Novelda
Novelda is a municipality in the province of Alicante, in the Valencian Community, situated at 247 metres above sea level. With around 27,000 inhabitants, the city ranks among the medium-sized towns of inland Alicante. It sits in a landscape characteristic of southeastern Spain, where moderate relief and a dry Mediterranean climate define the environment: summers of intense sunshine, scarce rainfall, and the distinctive luminosity of the province's inland belt.
For this eclipse
On 12 August 2026, Novelda will experience a partial solar eclipse. The moment of maximum coverage will occur at 20:34 (local time), with the Sun positioned 2.2 degrees above the local horizon—a sufficient margin for the phenomenon to be visible without natural obstruction. The solar disc will not be completely covered, but the obscured fraction will be perceptible with an approved eclipse filter. It is advisable to position yourself at a spot with a clear western horizon and wear eclipse glasses throughout the observation.
The weather in August
AEMET records for the period 1991–2020 show that Novelda carries a low risk of thunderstorms during August. Although the reference weather station does not provide temperature or precipitation figures, the sparse summer storm activity is a useful indicator for observation: it suggests that August skies tend to remain stable, without the convective cloud developments that in other parts of Spain can interrupt the tracking of the solar phenomenon.
Past eclipses
The last total eclipse visible from Novelda occurred on 28 May 1900, 126 years ago, with a totality of just 79 seconds. More recently, on 3 October 2005, the city witnessed an annular eclipse with an obscuration of 90.4 % of the solar disc and a duration of 144 seconds—an event that many middle-aged residents still remember. After the eclipses of 2026 and 2028, one must wait until 13 July 2075 for the next annular eclipse from this location.
Direction and altitude of the Sun
At the moment of maximum eclipse, at 20:34 on 12 August 2026, the Sun will be at only 4.3 degrees of altitude above the horizon and in a direction of 286 degrees of azimuth, equivalent to west-northwest. It is a very low position, close to sunset. To make the most of the view with confidence, position yourself at a spot with the western horizon completely clear of obstructions. The margin of 2.2 degrees above the local horizon confirms that the phenomenon will be visible from Novelda.
Editorial text by eclipses.app · Data: Wikidata, AEMET, NASA and astronomy-engine.
Eclipse schedule in Novelda
| Phase | UTC | Local time | Sun alt. | Sun az. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 — Partial begins | 17:40 UTC | 19:40 | +14.6° | 277.6° |
| Maximum | 18:34 UTC | 20:34 | +4.3° | 285.7° |
| C4 — Partial ends | 19:25 UTC | 21:25 | -4.8° | 293.7° |
Sun direction and altitude at C4
Look toward WNW (293.7°)
Azimuth at C4
293.7° WNW
Sun altitude at C4
-4.76°
Terrain horizon
2.11°
Sun−terrain margin
+2.14°
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 Novelda
| Peak | Elevation | Distance | Azimuth |
|---|---|---|---|
| el Maigmó | 1296 m | 17.6 km | 42° NE |
| Despenyador | 1261 m | 18.5 km | 27° NNE |
| Alt de Guisop | 1249 m | 17.1 km | 35° NE |
| Alt del Carrascalet | 1245 m | 18.4 km | 29° NNE |
| Les Planisses | 1241 m | 18.0 km | 30° NNE |
| Alto de la Capilla del FraileIn the Sun's direction | 1238 m | 24.8 km | 300° WNW |
| la Replana | 1229.4 m | 20.9 km | 9° N |
| Maigmonet | 1182 m | 17.6 km | 41° NE |
Weather in Novelda in August
Historical cloud cover
P25 — clearer days
1%
Median cloud cover
2%
P75 — cloudier days
23%
Source: ERA5 (ECMWF), 10-year average at the eclipse hour.
Other eclipses seen from Novelda
- 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 Novelda
Will the eclipse of August 12, 2026 be visible from Novelda?
Yes, partial eclipse: the Sun will be 99% covered at maximum from Novelda.
What time is the eclipse maximum in Novelda?
Maximum occurs at 20:34 local time (18:34 UTC) in Novelda.
Which direction to look to watch the eclipse from Novelda?
Look WNW (azimuth 286°); the Sun will be 4° above the horizon at maximum from Novelda.
Is Novelda a good place to watch the eclipse?
Novelda 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 Novelda
For the August 12 eclipse. Recommended stay: Aug 10–14, 2026.
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