NASA APOD Features Spain’s First Major Total Solar Eclipse Since 1905
The Astronomy Picture of the Day showcases a photograph by Ruiyu Zhang, capturing the celestial event over the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar and the Ebro River.
NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) has featured a photograph capturing the total solar eclipse that occurred on 12 August 2026. The image, taken by Ruiyu Zhang in Zaragoza, Spain, depicts the eclipse over the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar and its reflection in the Ebro River. The APOD is a daily service of the Astrophysics Science Division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA Science Activation, and Michigan Technological University, with explanations written by professional astronomers.
On 12 August 2026, the Moon’s shadow traversed Siberia, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and Portugal. The event marked Spain’s first major total solar eclipse since 1905. The APOD entry, authored by Keighley Rockcliffe, Robert Nemiroff, Jerry Bonnell, and Cecilia Chirenti, notes that the eclipse provided a rare opportunity for the region to observe the phenomenon.
The explanation accompanying the image describes the sensory experiences typical of totality. Witnesses may experience a chill in the air, the quieting of birds, and confused chirps from insects. The text also notes the shared awe experienced by observers as the Sun’s bright disk is blocked by the Moon, allowing the solar corona to shine.
Scientifically, the eclipse offers opportunities for researchers to study the solar corona. According to the APOD explanation, eclipses help scientists understand why the corona is millions of degrees hotter than the Sun’s surface. The entry encourages enthusiastic citizens to contribute to these studies by recording wildlife responses, imaging the corona, and monitoring air temperature and clouds.
The APOD entry was published on 13 August 2026. The previous day’s feature, dated 12 August 2026, had showcased the Perseids meteor shower. The source material for this report is a news release from NASA, published on 13 August 2026.
