Alcanar will have 1 minute and 37 seconds of total eclipse 2026 on August 12: Valls only 39 seconds
On August 12, the municipalities of Tarragona will experience a solar eclipse with very different durations depending on their location. Alcanar, in the Terres de l’Ebre, leads with 1 minute and 37 seconds of total darkness while Valls records only 39 seconds.
With this data, the astronomical phenomenon will not be the same for everyone, and the distance from the central axis of the lunar shadow band marks the difference between what we will see in each town.
Ranking of Tarragona municipalities by Duration of Totality
Which municipalities have the longest and shortest eclipse times?
It is in the Terres de l’Ebre where the longest eclipse times are concentrated. Alcanar tops the list with 1 minute and 37 seconds of totality, followed by Santa Bàrbara (1m 34s), Amposta (1m 33s), L’Aldea (1m 32s), and Camarles (1m 31s).
In contrast, in the northern part of the band, Valls will only enjoy 39 seconds of total darkness, less than half of Alcanar. Tarragona city is midway, with exactly 1 minute.
| Position | Municipality | Observation Point | Duration of Totality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alcanar | Bullring | 1m 37s |
| 2 | Santa Bàrbara | Sports area Ctra. de la Galera | 1m 34s |
| 3 | Amposta | l'Oriola Industrial Park | 1m 33s |
| 4 | L'Aldea | Can Gironès | 1m 32s |
| 5 | Camarles | Pla de Camarles | 1m 31s |
| 6 | L'Ametlla de Mar | Municipal football field | 1m 25s |
| 7 | Gandesa | la Plana Industrial Park | 1m 24s |
| 8 | Móra la Nova | Tortosa Street | 1m 17s |
| 9 | Cambrils | Agricultural Cooperative | 1m 9s |
| 10 | Reus | Immaculada Neighborhood | 1m 1s |
| 11 | Tarragona | Mediterranean Ring | 1m 0s |
| 12 | Constantí | Joan Miró Street | 0m 57s |
| 13 | Altafulla | Mirador Fountain | 0m 53s |
| 14 | Torredembarra | Roques Planes Industrial Park | 0m 52s |
| 15 | Valls | Industrial Park | 0m 39s |
Why does the Duration vary so much depending on the Municipality?
The proximity to the central axis of the lunar shadow band determines the maximum duration of the eclipse. The Terres de l’Ebre are closer to this axis, which is why they enjoy about 30-50 seconds more than the northern municipalities.
This explains the notable difference between Alcanar and Valls, which is at one end of the observation zone.
Alcanar with the longest total eclipse Duration
What makes Alcanar the best place to see the eclipse?
With 1 minute and 37 seconds, Alcanar is the epicenter of darkness in the entire province. Its location, very close to the Ebre river mouth, places it almost at the center of the lunar shadow band.
This band is where the Moon completely covers the Sun and the feeling of total darkness lasts longer.
Which other municipalities in the Terres de l’Ebre stand out?
Santa Bàrbara, Amposta, L’Aldea, and Camarles also offer durations longer than 1 minute and 30 seconds. This makes them highly recommended spots for those who want to see the eclipse without sacrificing much darkness time.
Valls, the Municipality with the least total darkness
Why will Valls only have 39 seconds of total eclipse?
Being located at the northern edge of the shadow band, Valls will only experience 39 seconds of total darkness, almost half of the municipality with the longest duration.
The northern limit of the band is where the Moon only partially covers the Sun for a longer time, which is reflected in this short duration.
Which municipalities have short but visible durations?
Torredembarra (52s), Altafulla (53s), and Constantí (57s) are other examples of municipalities near the northern limit, with a visible but shorter-lasting eclipse.
Tips for safe eclipse observation
How to avoid eye damage during the eclipse?
It is essential to use certified glasses with solar filters approved according to ISO 12312-2 during all partial phases of the eclipse, before and after totality.
You can only look directly at the Sun when the solar disk is completely covered, during the exact seconds of totality.
Where can the eclipse be seen in Tarragona?
There are 20 official viewing points with limited capacity. The Terres de l’Ebre will attract more public due to its longer duration, so it is recommended to check the searcher at eclipsicatalunya.cat to reserve a spot and know the exact times in each municipality.
