Orihuela
38.085°, -0.944° · 32 m a.s.l.
Marginal
Partial eclipse · 99% obscuration
Marginal: only 1.43° between the Sun and the local skyline at peak.
60/100Good
99%
Partial eclipse · 99% obscuration
See the eclipse from Orihuela minute by minute
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Photo: Joanbanjo · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
About Orihuela
Orihuela is a municipality in the province of Alicante, in the Valencian Community, with just over 100,000 inhabitants and an altitude of barely 32 meters above sea level. Located in the Segura river valley, it occupies an inland enclave of the Levantine coast, surrounded by traditional orchards and the Orihuela mountain range, which dominates the city's southern profile. Its low, flat position directly affects astronomical visibility on the western horizon.
For this eclipse
On August 12, 2026, Orihuela will experience a partial solar eclipse, with maximum at 20:34 local time. At that moment the Sun will be only 4.2° above the horizon, with a margin of just 1.7° from the terrain profile. The eclipse is visible if the western horizon is clear, but any obstacle — buildings, trees, or the mountain range itself — can obstruct the view. It is advisable to find an elevated point with a clear line of sight toward the west-northwest.
The weather in August
August is the driest month of the year in Orihuela, with a low storm risk according to AEMET's historical records. The area enjoys a semi-arid Mediterranean climate that keeps the sky generally clear during summer, which is favorable for astronomical observation. Although specific numerical data on temperature or precipitation are not available for this particular season, the climate pattern of the region is one of the most stable in the Valencian Community during this time of year.
Past eclipses
The last total eclipse recorded from Orihuela occurred on May 28, 1900, 126 years ago, with a totality duration of only 27 seconds, indicating that the city lay very close to the edge of the umbra's path. After the eclipses of 2026 and 2028, one must wait until July 13, 2075 for the next annular eclipse, and until June 20, 2327 for the next total eclipse visible from here.
Direction and altitude of the Sun
At the moment of maximum eclipse, the Sun will be at 4.2° altitude and an azimuth of 286°, oriented toward the west-northwest. That position corresponds to looking almost directly at sunset, slightly offset toward the north. With the Sun so close to the horizon, the quality of observation depends greatly on air transparency and the absence of obstacles in that direction. A viewpoint or rooftop with an open view to the west will substantially improve the experience.
Editorial text by eclipses.app · Data: Wikidata, AEMET, NASA and astronomy-engine.
Eclipse schedule in Orihuela
| Phase | UTC | Local time | Sun alt. | Sun az. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 — Partial begins | 17:40 UTC | 19:40 | +14.6° | 277.6° |
| Maximum | 18:35 UTC | 20:35 | +4.2° | 285.7° |
| C4 — Partial ends | 19:26 UTC | 21:26 | -4.8° | 293.6° |
Sun direction and altitude at C4
Look toward WNW (293.6°)
Azimuth at C4
293.6° WNW
Sun altitude at C4
-4.84°
Terrain horizon
2.78°
Sun−terrain margin
+1.43°
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 Orihuela
| Peak | Elevation | Distance | Azimuth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cantón | 922 m | 23.0 km | 349° NNW |
| la Vella | 838 m | 22.7 km | 19° NNE |
| Pic de Sant Gaità | 818 m | 20.4 km | 12° NNE |
| Alt de Sant Juri | 812 m | 21.2 km | 14° NNE |
| Sierra del Corqué | 786 m | 24.3 km | 313° NW |
| Cerro del Agudo | 731 m | 17.3 km | 350° N |
| el Campanar | 704 m | 22.3 km | 21° NNE |
| Cerro Agudico | 674 m | 24.0 km | 315° NW |
Weather in Orihuela in August
Historical cloud cover
P25 — clearer days
0%
Median cloud cover
3%
P75 — cloudier days
13%
Source: ERA5 (ECMWF), 10-year average at the eclipse hour.
Other eclipses seen from Orihuela
- Last total eclipseMay 28, 1900126 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 Orihuela
Will the eclipse of August 12, 2026 be visible from Orihuela?
Yes, but marginally: with 99% obscuration, the topographic horizon from Orihuela is very close to the Sun's altitude at the end.
What time is the eclipse maximum in Orihuela?
Maximum occurs at 20:35 local time (18:35 UTC) in Orihuela.
Which direction to look to watch the eclipse from Orihuela?
Look WNW (azimuth 286°); the Sun will be 4° above the horizon at maximum from Orihuela.
Is Orihuela a good place to watch the eclipse?
Orihuela is a good option (score 60/100): 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 Orihuela
For the August 12 eclipse. Recommended stay: Aug 10–14, 2026.
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