- The aboriginal Canarian worldview interpreted eclipses as the abduction of the sun Magec by the demon Guayota.
- In the current event, the Canary Islands will experience a partiality of close to 70%, requiring constant eye protection.
- The phenomenon is part of an exceptional sequence of three eclipses visible in Spain between 2026 and 2028.
When the sky suddenly darkens and the sun seems to vanish, it's inevitable that feelings of awe, and perhaps a touch of unease, will wash over us. For us today, this is simply celestial mechanics, but if we go back in time to the first inhabitants of the Canary Islands, the event took on a mystical and terrifying dimension. To look at the heavens through the eyes of a Guanche means understanding that light was not a given, but a divine gift that could be stolen by dark forces.
The next encounter with the moon's shadow invites us to reconcile that ancestral wisdom with the rigor of modern astrophysics. While the ancients performed rituals on mountaintops to protect the sun, we prepare ourselves with certified glasses and telescopes. However, that mixture of respect and fascination remains the common thread that unites the people of the Canary Islands, whether we are on Mount Teide or on any Atlantic beach, awaiting that moment when day turns to night.
The myth of Magec's abduction and the aboriginal terror
For the pre-Hispanic populations of the archipelago, the Sun, known as Magec , was the supreme deity, the source of all life, and the protector of the crops. They did not see the eclipse as a planetary alignment, but as a real cosmic threat linked to evil spirits. The loss of light was interpreted as a total imbalance of the forces of the universe.
The most powerful legend tells of Guayota, the demon who dwelled in the depths of Echeyde (present-day Teide). According to oral tradition, eclipses were a manifestation of Magec's abduction by this dark entity. To combat this darkness, the aboriginal priests organized communal prayers in the almogarenes ( sacred sites), pouring milk and butter into stone bowls to implore the intervention of Achamán, the supreme god of the sky, and thus restore the natural order.
This fear was not unfounded in their culture, as they believed that darkness unleashed malevolent entities like Jucancha in Tenerife or Iruene in La Palma . Despite this fear, the Guanches demonstrated astonishing precision in their archaeoastronomy, using rock markers and spiral engravings in sanctuaries like Tindaya or Bentayga to measure solstices and equinoxes.
Technical details of the event and visibility in the archipelago
Unlike in some areas of the Iberian Peninsula or Ibiza, where totality can be observed, in the Canary Islands the phenomenon will be partial . This means that the Moon will not completely cover the solar disk, but will leave only a small fraction visible. In Lanzarote, a 73% obscuration is expected, while in Tenerife and Gran Canaria it will be around 70%.
The moment of maximum intensity will occur around 19:53 p.m. , with the sun very low on the horizon. Because it is a sunset eclipse, the key to enjoying it is having a clear view to the west , preferably over the open sea to avoid buildings or terrain blocking the view.
- Lanzarote and La Graciosa: These are prime locations with concealment percentages exceeding 70%.
- Tenerife: It is ideal to observe it from the west coast or by going up above the "donkey's belly" (low clouds).
- Gran Canaria: Altitude is the trick; the Pico de las Nieves allows you to see the event above a sea of clouds.
Eye safety: What you should never do under any circumstances
This is where things get serious. Many people think that if the sun is almost completely covered, it can't burn you anymore, but that's a dangerous mistake. In the Canary Islands, since it's a partial eclipse, there's not a single safe moment to look at the sun without protection. The radiation still reaches the retina and can cause irreversible solar retinopathy , which, worst of all, doesn't hurt at the time.
It is essential to use eclipse glasses that comply with ISO 12312-2:2015 and bear the CE marking. Forget about home remedies: X-rays, CDs, smoked glass, or even two pairs of ordinary sunglasses are useless . Likewise, never use eclipse glasses to look through a telescope or binoculars, as the lens concentrates the light and will instantly burn the filter and your eye.
Recent history: The total eclipse of 1959
To understand the social impact of these events, we must remember October 2, 1959. On that day, a swath of the islands experienced a total solar eclipse that left a lasting mark on the collective memory. For many elderly people of that time, it felt like the end of the world was approaching , a reaction born of ignorance and the lack of information in the post-war era.
From a scientific perspective, that day was the catalyst for modern astrophysics in the Canary Islands. The clearing of the atmosphere at Izaña attracted scientists from all over the world and facilitated the creation of the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics (IAC). It's curious to recall accounts from that time, such as people who, as the sky darkened, were in queues for potato rationing or watching chickens panic in their coops.
Recommended planning and observation points
If you want to experience the event stress-free, it's best to arrive at the observation points before 18:30 PM. The Cosmic Watchtowers have been set up on the islands , an initiative to bring science closer to the public. Some key locations include San Juan Beach in Tenerife, El Tostón Castle in Fuerteventura, and Dr. Domingo Hernández Guerra Street in Gran Canaria.
For those who prefer to avoid crowds, a terrace or balcony with a west-facing view might be sufficient. If you opt for the mountains, remember that access to Teide National Park may be restricted, and permits are required for certain routes. Don't forget to bring water, warm clothing (the temperature drops sharply), and a flashlight for the return trip.
A unique astronomical sequence
This event is not an isolated occurrence, but rather the beginning of a series of eclipses . Spain is in a privileged position, as between 2026 and 2028 we will have three important events: this partial eclipse in the Canary Islands, a total eclipse on August 2, 2027, and an annular eclipse on January 26, 2028. After this streak, we will not have another total solar eclipse in Spanish territory until 2053.
Furthermore, the night of the eclipse is ideal for astronomy enthusiasts, as it coincides with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower . Since it will be a new moon, the sky will be dark enough to enjoy the meteor shower just after sunset.
From the mysticism of the ancient Guanches who feared the abduction of Magec, to the precision of modern radio telescopes, the solar eclipse remains a reminder of our insignificance in the face of the cosmos. Whether observing a 70% partial eclipse from a Canary Island beach or studying the solar corona on the Iberian Peninsula, the essential thing is to prioritize eye safety and take advantage of these rare phenomena to reconnect with scientific curiosity and the history of our islands.
