Overview
- Spain held ‘mirror day’ tryouts Wednesday to check eclipse sightlines, though clouds cut visibility in Galicia and in parts of the Balearic Islands.
- Regional teams will use the results to refine official viewing maps and operations, with Valencia’s portal updating sites and Gijón due to present its list on May 10, and plans calling for a late-stage technical drill that could trigger cancellations if heavy rain is forecast.
- ESA speakers in León stressed eye safety, urging ISO 12312-2 solar filters and removal only during brief totality within the path where the Sun is fully covered.
- Because totality will occur near sunset, organizers are steering people to spots with a clear view to the west, with durations that change by location such as about 1 minute 48 seconds in Oviedo.
- The eclipse will be followed that night by a strong Perseids meteor display, which could let observers see many shooting stars if skies stay clear.