THOSE in Spain can prepare for the once-in-a-century total eclipse by holding a dress rehearsal this week thanks to the sun’s position in the sky.
Over the next three days, the sun will sit in practically the same position in the sky as it will during the eclipse that is set to occur this August.
This makes it the perfect opportunity to hold a practice run and confirm that you will have the perfect viewing spot when the event occurs this summer.
The total eclipse will take place on August 12 and be visible from most spots in Spain. It’s an astronomical phenomenon that has not happened for over a century.
It also will not happen again any time soon and therefore it is important that you know you will be in the right spot to witness it occur.
To do so you should stand in your chosen location today, tomorrow or on Thursday as the sun will be in the same position as it will be in when the total eclipse occurs in August.
Experts advise you to take your place then look to the west and if you can see the sun without any obstacles then you will have a great view of the eclipse.
If buildings, mountains or trees block your vision then you should find another spot for the eclipse as during the event there will be no time to move to another place if the sun is hidden before it is over.
The reason why the sun will sit in the same spot this week as it will in August is because of the geometry of its movement throughout the year.
There are 52 days between the summer solstice (June 21) and August 12, the date of the eclipse.
April 30 is 52 days before the solstice meaning that the sun follows an almost identical path through the sky. It is at the same height, same angle and practically the same position at the same time.
It is predicted that the eclipse will occur between 8.20pm and 8.30pm across the Iberian Peninsula.
The best views will be found in Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Pais Vasco, Navarra, La Rioja, Castilla y Leon, Comunidad de Madrid, Castilla La Mancha, Aragon, Cataluña, Valencia and the Balearic Islands.
In other parts of Spain the eclipse will be partial.
It is recommended that approved eclipse glasses are used for both the dress rehearsal and the actual event.
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