Institutional coordination continues to advance in preparation for the total solar eclipse that will be visible from the Balearic Islands on 12 August 2026. The committee responsible for managing this astronomical event recently held a plenary meeting in which several working groups presented new initiatives aimed at ensuring effective organisation, public safety and scientific dissemination ahead of the expected high public interest.
One of the key measures presented during the meeting is the organisation of a visibility forecast exercise scheduled for 29 and 30 April. These two days are expected to offer atmospheric and visibility conditions comparable to those anticipated on the day of the eclipse. The exercise will make it possible to simulate observation scenarios and identify areas where the eclipse may be visible partially or in totality.
The information gathered during this exercise will contribute to the development of a comprehensive scientific and territorial mapping of the Balearic Islands in relation to the eclipse. Specialists in mobility planning, civil protection, environmental risk management and scientific outreach are working together with cartographic experts to analyse the territory and determine the most suitable locations for public observation areas.
Total solar eclipse of 2026: visibility simulations prepared for April to define official observation zones
This mapping process will serve as the foundation for the development of a specific operational protocol designed for the management of the event. The procedure will be integrated into the regional civil protection planning framework and will establish guidelines for traffic management, access control and crowd prevention in observation areas. Coordination between mobility authorities and road traffic management bodies will be essential to ensure safe access to the observation sites.
At the same time, a public information campaign is being prepared to promote safe observation of the solar eclipse. The guidance will emphasise the importance of using certified eclipse glasses that comply with the international ISO 12312-2:2015 standard. The campaign will also warn about the dangers of observing the sun without appropriate protection or using uncertified filters. The recommendations will be available in several languages to reach both residents and visitors.
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Educational and scientific outreach initiatives are also being developed as part of the preparation process. A dedicated online training course for teachers is being designed to help educators introduce the scientific principles of eclipses to students in primary, secondary and upper secondary education. The programme will provide educational tools to explain the astronomical mechanisms behind eclipses as well as their historical relevance.
In addition, short educational videos are being produced to support scientific dissemination across different educational levels. These materials will be distributed through schools and digital platforms to encourage interest in astronomy and promote accessible scientific knowledge.
All these initiatives form part of a broader preparation strategy aimed at ensuring that the observation of the total solar eclipse of 2026 takes place under safe conditions while providing accurate information and promoting scientific understanding among the public.