My First Total Solar Eclipse
Palencia, Spain · 12 August 2026: where the equations met the sky
On 12 August 2026, I witnessed my first total solar eclipse in Palencia, Spain, as part of the NATE programme. As a PhD student working in astrophysics and cosmology, I am used to studying the Universe through mathematical models, simulations, and data. However, seeing this remarkable event unfold before my eyes was an entirely different experience.
Beyond the equations, the Universe has an extraordinary ability to inspire and amaze us.
The days leading up to the eclipse were also an opportunity for hands-on learning. Our training included mounting and aligning telescopes, preparing observing equipment, and exploring the practical aspects of data acquisition. We worked with dedicated software and camera settings to prepare for the brief and critical moments of totality. It was a valuable reminder that successful astronomical observations depend as much on careful preparation and instrumentation as on scientific understanding.
At the observing site, our telescopes and cameras were ready as the Moon slowly covered the Sun. The evening light grew strangely dim, and then totality arrived: the solar corona appeared around the dark lunar disc while the landscape fell into darkness. For a brief moment, the familiar sky became something extraordinary.
Experiencing this profound moment of connection with nature filled me with a sense of wonder and reminded me that, beyond the equations, the Universe has an extraordinary ability to inspire and amaze us.
From preparing the instruments to witnessing the eclipse itself, this experience brought together the technical and human sides of astronomy, making it both a valuable learning opportunity and an unforgettable personal memory.
A heartfelt thank you to the organising teams from Morocco, Spain, and the United States for making this experience possible, and to the city of Palencia for its warm welcome and hospitality.