Israeli Astronomer Chronicles Full Solar Eclipse Experience in Northern Spain
After waiting six years since a partial solar eclipse in Israel in 2020, Israeli astronomy enthusiast Racheli Vox traveled to northern Spain on August 12, 2026, to witness a rare total solar eclipse. Unable to find organized tours and facing logistical challenges including canceled flights and car rental shortages, Vox and her partner persevered to reach a remote area near the village of Villarramiel, where the eclipse was visible in near-ideal conditions.
The eclipse occurred in the evening, shortly before sunset, with the moon completely covering the sun for one minute and 39 seconds. Vox described the moment as breathtaking, with the sun’s corona visible as a thin glowing ring and the sky turning dark blue. The event drew a crowd of local truck drivers and residents who gathered to watch the spectacle safely using eclipse glasses.
Solar eclipses happen when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun during a new moon, an alignment that occurs infrequently due to the tilt of the moon’s orbit. The 2026 eclipse was visible from parts of Spain, Iceland, and Greenland, with Spain offering a longer duration of totality. The next significant eclipse visible from Israel will not occur until 2180, though a partial eclipse will be seen in 2027.
The eclipse also provided scientific opportunities. NASA, led by Israeli researcher Prof. Amir Caspi, conducted aerial observations to study the sun’s corona, a region with mysterious high temperatures. Spanish and Portuguese scientists prepared for a repeat of the famous 1919 eclipse experiment that confirmed Einstein’s general relativity theory. Additionally, atmospheric research balloons were launched to study Earth’s atmospheric changes during the eclipse.
Vox’s journey highlighted the dedication of “eclipse chasers” who meticulously plan trips to witness these rare celestial events. The day ended with a coincidental peak of the Perseid meteor shower, adding to the astronomical wonders experienced during the trip. Vox’s account combines personal adventure with scientific insight, illustrating the cultural and educational significance of solar eclipses.
