Throughout the year, the members of the Space Forum organise and develop activities related to the space sector. This calendar will now be complemented by an extensive programme centred on the trio of solar eclipses that will make Andalusia a prime location for astronomical observation in 2026, 2027 and 2028.
The Regional Ministry of Universities, Research and Innovation, through the Descubre Foundation, is already working on a special outreach programme to accompany these phenomena. On 2 August 2027, Andalusia will be at the heart of the total eclipse, whose path of totality will cross Cádiz, Málaga, Granada and Almería. It will also be at the forefront of the annular eclipse on 26 January 2028, which will be visible in all provinces. The total eclipse of 2026 will only be partially visible, but will still form part of the calendar of activities.
The aim is to offer citizens and visitors to Andalusia a safe, accessible and enriching experience. To this end, an inter-institutional working group has been created to coordinate initiatives throughout the community. Participants include the Royal Observatory of the Navy in San Fernando, the Calar Alto Observatory in Almería, the Descubre Foundation, and the Scientific Culture Unit of the Institute of Astrophysics of Andalusia, among other entities.
Although the main event for the 2027 eclipse will take place at the Royal Naval Observatory, the programme will extend to numerous municipalities, which can apply to become observation nodes. Universities, research centres, astronomical associations and city councils are joining forces to make astronomy accessible to all.
There will also be an educational programme with resources for schools, teacher training and participatory initiatives, such as the Eclipse Ambassadors scheme and school kits, to help people understand and observe the phenomenon safely. Additionally, support will be provided for Citizen Science projects that encourage active participation from the public and the protection of the night sky.
The Descubre Foundation will coordinate communication, providing accurate and reliable information before, during and after each eclipse, in collaboration with RTVA and the Regional Ministry of Tourism.
