The Government will distribute 150,000 approved glasses to observe the total solar eclipse on August 12. The phenomenon, not seen in Catalonia since 1905, will be total south of an imaginary line between Lleida and Vilanova i la Geltrú.
The Government announced this Friday a special device for the total solar eclipse on August 12, a phenomenon that has not occurred in Catalonia since 1905. The Minister of Research and Universities, Núria Montserrat, confirmed that 150,000 approved glasses will be distributed free of charge at the 23 official observation points set up by the Generalitat, in collaboration with municipal entities.
The eclipse will be total south of an imaginary line crossing from Lleida to Vilanova i la Geltrú, making this area of Garraf a privileged location for observation. In the rest of the province of Barcelona, the eclipse will be partial, allowing residents of Vilanova i la Geltrú and surrounding areas to enjoy the complete darkening of the Sun for approximately one minute.
The Minister of the Interior, Núria Parlon, detailed the road safety measures. The Mossos d'Esquadra will deploy nearly 700 agents on the afternoon of August 12, with special attention to the roads of Camp de Tarragona, Terres de l'Ebre, and Ponent, the main observation areas. Of these, about 200 will be assigned to points of greater influx, 420 to regional services, and around eighty to special units with drones, helicopters, and aquatic teams.
Parlon has urged people to avoid watching the eclipse from the road and warned that vehicles cannot stop on the shoulders. Service areas are presented as an alternative for drivers. The Catalan Traffic Service has prepared a specific plan for the AP-7, the most congested route, with restrictions on truck traffic heading south between Martorell and Ulldecona from 14:00 to 00:00 hours. It is recommended to avoid travel on this motorway to reduce traffic.
Protective glasses are mandatory for observing the eclipse at all times, except during the minute of totality in areas where the Sun is completely obscured. The Government warns that looking directly at the Sun without protection can cause serious and irreversible eye injuries, which do not always manifest immediately.
Beyond the spectacle, Minister Montserrat highlighted the scientific value of the event. During the eclipse, data will be collected, and Catalonia will host international researchers, astronauts, and Nobel laureates. "The world will be watching and wanting to understand what is happening at home," she stated. For the residents of Vilanova i la Geltrú, the eclipse represents a unique opportunity to witness an exceptional astronomical phenomenon from their own municipality.
The points for distributing glasses and the schedules will be announced soon through the official channels of the Generalitat and the involved municipalities.
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