tenerife science museum free glasses solar eclipse 2026

Tenerife science museum offers free glasses for August solar eclipse

Free solar eclipse glasses available in Tenerife

The Museum of Science and the Cosmos (MCC) in Tenerife, which operates under the island’s Cabildo, has issued a public safety recommendation for the upcoming solar eclipse on 12 August. As part of the national campaign “A Unique View. Take Care of It,” the museum will begin distributing free certified eclipse glasses to visitors from 27 July, while stocks last.

Councillor highlights safe viewing

José Carlos Acha, the island’s councillor for Culture, Museums and Sport, has praised the beauty of the phenomenon and stressed the importance of providing safe viewing equipment, promoting responsible scientific outreach.

What to expect in the Canary Islands

Unlike mainland Spain, where the eclipse will be total, the Canary Islands will experience only a partial eclipse. The solar disc will be approximately 70% obscured. The event will begin at 19:57 local time and last until sunset. For the best view, it will be essential to find a location with a clear horizon towards the sunset, as the island’s terrain—particularly east-facing slopes and the bottom of ravines—may block the view.

Warning against homemade filters

Museum astrophysicist Oswaldo González Sánchez reminds the public that since the sun will not be fully covered in the islands, certified eye protection must be worn throughout the entire event. He has issued a strong warning against using homemade solutions such as X-rays, exposed photographic film or smoked glass, as these do not provide adequate filtering and can cause irreversible damage to the retina.

A trilogy of solar eclipses begins

This event marks the start of a trilogy of major solar eclipses visible from Spain in 2026, 2027 and 2028. Furthermore, just two weeks after this solar event, the Canary Islands will also be able to witness a partial lunar eclipse.

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