NASA and the BBC have rented properties in two near-abandoned villages in northern Spain to broadcast today’s total solar eclipse.
Crews from both organisations have settled in Villalibado and Avellanosa de Muño, in Burgos province, as millions across Spain prepare to watch the eclipse at around 19:30.
It will be the first total solar eclipse visible from mainland Spain in more than a century, with parts of Galicia, Valencia and the Balearic Islands among the prime viewing locations, according to experts.
Spanish news agency EFE reported that NASA and San Francisco’s Exploratorium first contacted a resident of Villalibado more than a year ago, when the town only had two registered inhabitants.
Scientists have now settled into a rural holiday home with an unobstructed view of the eclipse, allowing them to work without interruption.
Much of the village is in ruins and locals say it had been completely uninhabited for more than 30 years before the scientists arrived.
A similar situation is unfolding in nearby Avellanosa de Muño, which has been chosen by the BBC as its location for broadcasting the eclipse.
The influx of visitors has brought an unexpected surge in tourism to the village, with its mayor telling EFE that residents are ‘extremely worried’ because it lacks the resources and infrastructure to cope with large numbers of visitors.
The village had 95 registered inhabitants in 2025. Residents had expected to watch the eclipse with their families, but have instead seen increasing numbers of tourists arrive.
Burgos is not the only province from which the eclipse can be seen. Zaragoza, in Aragon, is considered one of the best viewing locations because of its flat, dry landscape.
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Parts of the Balearic Islands, Valencia and Castellon, as well as Galicia and Asturias, will also fall within the eclipse’s path.
Andalucia will not experience totality, although residents will be able to see a partial eclipse and notice the sky darkening.
The next total solar eclipse visible from Spain will take place in 2027.
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